Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez is in no mood to lose defender Sergio Ramos to Manchester United this summer.
Ramos is unhappy with his current situation at the Bernabeu and has been strongly linked with heading to Old Trafford with Manchester United, who have gone on the offensive with Real Madrid after a summer of so far being on the back-foot and fending off Los Blancos' efforts to sign David de Gea.
But according to Spanish daily AS, Benitez views Ramos as the leader of his new project at Real Madrid and is desperate to make sure he stays put.
Benitez feels that Ramos' experience and leadership are crucial, especially as veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas may leave the Bernabeu this summer.
Ramos is under contract with Real Madrid until the summer of 2017, but is angling for a new deal and wants a pay rise to reflect his status at the club.
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Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has been reluctant to give in to Ramos' demands, but Benitez is hopeful a solution can be found before 10th July, when preparations for the new campaign begin.
Ramos, 29, has so far made 445 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions since joining the club from Sevilla in 2005.
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