Man City hand rivals Man Utd advantage in Ramos transfer race

Manchester City have handed fierce rivals Manchester United the advantage in the race to sign former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.

Ramos will depart the La Liga giants this summer after a 16-year spell in the Spanish capital, having failed to agree a new contract with president Florentino Perez.

The former World Cup winner is set to be one of the top free agents on the market in this summer's transfer window, with several clubs linked with a move.

Two of the frontrunners appeared to be United and City, who are set to battle it out for the Premier League title next season.

The Red Devils have made signing a new centre-back one of their top priorities ahead of their expected title challenge.

Neither Eric Bailly nor Victor Lindelof have convinced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that they can be the long-term partner for Harry Maguire.

A high-quality partner for Maguire is one of the few gaps in Solskjaer's squad, with the Red Devils having conceded the most goals of anyone who finished in the top four last season.

United are currently exploring a move for Ramos' former centre-back partner at Madrid, Raphael Varane.

Who will Sergio Ramos join in the summer transfer window? Comment below.

While the Frenchman would make an excellent signing for both the short and longer term, Madrid's high valuation could scupper hopes of a deal.

That has caused the Red Devils to turn instead to Ramos, who would bring a wealth of experience to United's backline.

Ramos has won five La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues during his spell with Madrid, as well as the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.

But United could face competition from City, who themselves will be in the market for a new defender should Aymeric Laporte depart.

Laporte has seen his playing opportunities limited over the past season, with John Stones and Ruben Dias becoming Pep Guardiola's preferred centre-back pairing.

That has opened the door to a summer exit for Laporte, with Madrid and Barcelona both linked with the centre-back.

But now United have received a major boost to their hopes of signing Ramos, with AS reporting that City are "not considering" a move for the Spaniard.

It is stated that Ramos is not even on their radar at the present time, with Guardiola instead hoping to keep Laporte at the Etihad.

The Spanish news organisation also claim that even if Laporte was to leave, then Fernandinho would drop back from midfield to become an option in defence.

The news that City are not considering a move for Ramos comes just weeks after he was reportedly offered to the Premier League champions.

In a blow to United though, AS state that Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are Ramos' most likely destination, with Mauricio Pochettino's side among his "favourite" options.