According to reports from Mirror Football yesterday evening, Manchester City have joined the race to sign Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos.
The 2010 World Cup winner’s future at the Bernabeu is shrouded in serious doubt following allegations from Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Majo earlier this month; who claims he was recently offered Ramos as an ‘electoral asset’ for the club’s ballot on July 18th – as reported by Goal.com.
It’s believed to have been a ploy to secure the Spain international a better contract in Madrid, apparently disillusioned with his current £4million per-year pay cheque.
That’s triggered two bids from Manchester United which have both been rejected by the La Liga giants, who allegedly value the 29 year-old at a rather incredible £63million.
And according to reports yesterday evening, rumoured interest from local rivals Manchester City could further complicate the situation.
Last summer’s major defensive signing – £32million man Eliaquim Mangala – hasn’t adapted to the Premier League as well as expected, whilst veteran Martin Demichelis is now 34 years of age.
That, in addition to Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak’s promise of ‘high-quality signings‘ has thrust the Citizens towards Ramos.
Whether they’d be prepared to meet Real Madrid’s valuation remains unclear. But last week, Pedro Riesco, one of Ramos’ representatives, told reporters; “With everything that has happened it will be very difficult for Sergio Ramos to stay at Madrid.”