Double transfer blow for United

Manchester United have been dealt a double setback in their transfer dealings after being told Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos are not for sale.

Double transfer blow for United

Manchester United have been dealt a double setback in their transfer dealings after being told Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos are not for sale.

United are short of forwards following the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao to Fenerbahce and Chelsea respectively.

Senior sources at the club denied United had made a £70million bid for Muller last week, but the German World Cup winner is a player Louis van Gaal would be interested in if he became available.

But, according to Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Muller will not be leaving the Bundesliga champions this summer.

”There are some players who just don’t have any price tag,” said Rummenigge, who has already lost Bastian Schweinsteiger to United this summer.

”We would be out of our minds to sell Muller.”

United also look to be facing disappointment in their pursuit of Ramos.

United are willing to swap David de Gea for the Spanish centre-back, who is at loggerheads with Madrid over the terms of a new contract he has been offered.

According to Rafael Benitez, his captain will not be leaving the club.

”I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal, but Sergio will be staying with us,” the Real Madrid manager said at a press conference in Australia prior to the team’s friendly against Manchester City.

”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 whether he was absolutely certain the centre-half would stay, Benitez said: ”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.”

The one player United may have more success in procuring is Barcelona’s Pedro.

The Spanish forward is on Van Gaal’s wishlist and is said to be having “doubts” about his future at the Nou Camp after realising he has little chance of dislodging Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez or Neymar from Luis Enrique’s all-conquering side.

”I have spoken with Pedro,” Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets told a press conference in San Francisco ahead of the team’s friendly against United.

”I think that as a team-mate and friend, I would like him to stay for a long time, but I understand that he has doubts.

”He wants to play but there is a lot of competition. In our team we have the best players and it’s very difficult (to get into the team).

”I hope he stays but the decision is his.”

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is likely to cross paths with his Barcelona counterparts this weekend when the two teams meet at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

It is understood Woodward flew back to the United States on Thursday to rejoin the tour.

Woodward spent the first week of the tour with the team in Seattle. It was always planned that he would return for the second leg in California and is expected to attend United’s game against Barcelona.

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Republic of Ireland Training Session and Media Conference Ogbene could return to feature in Luton's survival bid
Nottingham Forest v Manchester City - Premier League - City Ground Man City will not be distracted by Arsenal’s games in title race – Nathan Ake
West Ham United v Liverpool - Premier League - London Stadium Mo Salah expected to remain at Liverpool next season, say reports
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited