In what could be one of the most shocking developments in recent transfer history, Real Madrid vice-captain Sergio Ramos has reportedly told the Spanish giant he wants to leave the club this summer in order to join Manchester United.

This bombshell was dropped late today by Spanish football expert Graham Hunter during an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News HQ.

Hunter stated that sources close to the veteran player have told him Ramos is “unhappy” with the way the club did not dismiss the transfer speculation which linked him with a switch to Barcelona earlier this month.

Ramos has also grown tired of the way Real Madrid have been governed under the leadership of club president Florentino Perez. The understanding is that the defender’s relationship with Perez has completely broken down due to a lack of communication between the two individuals, and also because the veteran player disapproved of the dismissal of manager Carlo Ancelotti at the conclusion of the season.

According to sources close to the 29-year-old Spain international, Ramos wants Real Madrid to negotiate with Manchester United and no other club.

While United fans will remain leery that the player is using their club as leverage to receive an improved deal with Real Madrid, today’s news could swing supporters’ attitude towards the potential of a deal taking place for the highly regarded centre-back – whose deal with Madrid is set to expire in June 2017.

“Ramos has told Madrid directly that he is absolutely and completely committed to leaving the club this summer, that he specifically wants them to begin negotiations with Manchester United and that he doesn’t want them to negotiate with anybody except Manchester United,” Hunter told Sky Sports News HQ.

 

[interaction id=”5591c680ab9dc6b4493dfb42″]

“People have been questioning Sergio Ramos’ intentions, whether Manchester United [are] being used as was the case a couple of summers ago when Cesc Fabregas looked like he might be available to David Moyes.

“But it is a very firm display of intention from Manchester United. In Ramos they want someone who will form part of a firm spine of the team, who knows how to win, who has experience of winning, adding character and talent to what we saw was a regeneration under Louis van Gaal last season.

“Ramos is the focal point of that development and that’s why they have made the bid. Real Madrid can be under no illusions that Ramos wants to go to Manchester United and he expects them to comply.

“He feels slighted by the renegotiation of other players’ contracts around him when he’s coming to that age when this new contract will be the high point of what remains of his career.

“He will also be unhappy with the way the club did not dismiss the story that he had been offered to Barcelona. There is a lack of communication between the single most important man at Madrid in president Florentino Perez and Ramos – a captain, fan fourvouite and leader.

“Ramos is a bold and brave footballer and that is echoed in his character. He believes the bid matches his current value.

“He looks at the project to rebuild Manchester United, to make it great again, and he wants to be part of it.”