Manchester United look set to sign one Spanish based target, while another appears to be just out of reach for Louis Van Gaal's men.
News of United's pursuit of Sergio Ramos appears to have cooled in recent weeks after the signing of Matteo Darmian, whilst Real Madrid's interest in David de Gea has waned - for this summer at least- after their signing of Kiko Casilla. Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has now killed that move in its tracks by confirming that he's 100% sure that Ramos is staying at the Bernabeu.
Benitez continues to endear himself to his Liverpool fans by rejecting United's advances for Ramos:
I have a lot of respect for (United manager) Louis van Gaal, but Sergio will be staying with us. He is our player, our captain. I would like to see him (at the club) at the beginning of the season, because he's a key player for us.
When asked if Ramos will be staying, Benitez was very confident:
For me, 100 per cent. I insist that it is clear for me and the club, Sergio will be here. Football is a curious world, but Ramos will be staying.
There has been better news for United fans elsewhere in Spain, with Benitez's rival at Barcelona - Luis Enrique admitting that he is powerless to stop winger Pedro from moving to Old Trafford. Pedro is available for a fee of £22 million due to a release clause, and Enrique looks to have resigned himself to losing the 27-year-old winger:
Pedro? If he wants to go, a club will have to meet his release clause. I have talked with Pedro to discuss his situation.
I have told him how I think about it and he told me how he feels about it, but I obviously won't reveal the exact content of the conversation we had.
With Pedro's ability to play on the wing, or in a central striking role... hint hint... Van Gaal thinks he'd be a fantastic addition to his attacking options. Reports in Spain say that Pedro has given up defeat in attempting to get ahead of one of the first choice triumvirate of Messi-Neymar-Suarez.
Pedro signed a new contract with Barcelona just last month, but it was one which significantly reduced his release clause. While Enrique would prefer to see him stay at the Nou Camp, all signs are pointing to the Spaniard joining the Van Gaal revolution.
Pedro is likely to be involved in the two clubs game this weekend, as they meet in San Francisco as part of their pre-season tours.
