Manchester United: Gary Neville questions reported bid for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has questioned his former club's pursuit of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.

Cadena Cope reported on Sunday (21 June) that Manchester United would open negotiations with Real Madrid and Ramos on Monday. The Spain international, whose contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in 2017, has been locked in negotiations over a new deal since the end of the 2014-15 season. It is claimed United are ready to offer him a deal worth €10m (£7.2m, $11m) a year, a hefty increase on his current earnings of €6m.

Spanish Daily AS, who initially reported Ramos is ready to leave the La Liga giants, claimed on 23 June that the Manchester club will offer €30m and David de Gea to lure the defender to Old Trafford.

The United goalkeeper's reluctance to sign a new contract at Old Trafford has seen the club draw up a list of possible replacements.

Neville is sceptical over the offer, though, tweeting: "These reports saying 40m plus DDG for Ramos?? Please no! Nothing v [against] Ramos but it can't be right."

Ramos has been tipped to be part of an ambitious summer transfer project that could also include Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who United remain interested in, according to BBC Sport, and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, suggests the Daily Telegraph.

But former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon suggests United will be "very lucky" if they manage to pull off the deal.

"Sergio Ramos is an icon for the fans of Real Madrid, he is a leader on and off the field," he told Talksport. "I don't know if he is the best centre-back in the world but no doubt he is one of the best.

"Having said that, it is clear that he is unhappy because the president has refused to extend his contract and increase his salary. I find that to be a punishment because he supported publicly Carlo Ancelotti and said it was a mistake to sack him, and also is backing Iker Casillas.

"Let us see what happens in the next few weeks. It is going to be very exciting to know what is happening. If Sergio goes to Manchester United, they will be very lucky."