Manchester United lodge £30million Sergio Ramos bid as Real Madrid eye Laurent Koscielny move

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Los Blancos defender, and it seems they have started their approach to acquire his services

Manchester United have bid £30million for Sergio Ramos - with Real Madridtargeting Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny to replace him.

Ramos, who has become disillusioned with life at the Bernabeu, has asked Real officials to consider the offer and open talks with United.

United have been sufficiently encouraged by dialogue with Ramos and his representatives to make the formal offer for the 29-year-old.

Senior United figures believe they can capitalise on the contract dispute between Ramos and Real, and provide an escape route for the centre-back, capped 128 times by Spain.

United’s initial offer is understood to be independent of any deal involving their goalkeeper David De Gea, whom Real want and who wants to leave for them.

But there is an acceptance at Old Trafford that De Gea is almost certain to become part of any successful deal involving Ramos, following United’s first move.

United last night refused to comment on reports from Spain they have formalised their interest in Ramos, but a deal involving the 29-year-old is now increasingly likely.

Real have targeted France defender Koscielny following the breakdown in their negotiations over a new deal for Ramos and are lining up a £21m raid for the Arsenal star.