Sergio Ramos 'rejects offer from Real Madrid'

Sergio Ramos has reportedly handed a boost to Manchester United by rejecting the offer of a new contract from Real Madrid.

The Spanish defender has been repeatedly linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the summer, but it appeared that Louis van Gaal's hopes of securing his services were dashed when it was reported that he was close to an extension last week.

However, Spanish newspaper AS claims that talks have broken down between Ramos and the club after the offer of a £5.6m-per-season contract was turned down by Ramos.

The report suggests that the 29-year-old is looking for £7m a year, and a lack of progress in negotiations could persuade United to launch a move before the end of the transfer window.

It has previously been suggested that Ramos could make the switch to the Premier League as part of a deal which would take David de Gea to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ramos has two years remaining on his current contract.