Cold war between Real and United

Louis van Gaal has brought Sergio Ramos back into the spotlight following some enigmatic comments about the Spaniard's future.

Rumours of the defender's departure from Real Madrid fizzled out after Florentino Perez and Rafa Benítez spoke publicly about Ramos forming part of their plans as Real's captain and standard-bearer this season. Now Van Gaal has sown the seeds of doubt once again - a manoeuvre which is related to the ongoing negotiations over David de Gea.

The goalkeeper's transfer remains on ice given that Van Gaal is not willing to let him leave the English club. Not on the cheap, anyway. For a straight cash deal, United are not willing to go below €40 million for De Gea.

Either that or "Sergio Ramos and Keylor Navas", according to what Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, told Jorge Mendes, the keeper's agent. Real consider the demands exorbitant and are not prepared to accept a deal on those terms.