Manchester United’s pursuit of Sergio Ramos has taken a big lift after news emerged that the Spaniard will not change his mind about leaving Real Madrid.

Earlier in the week, the centre-back, 29, told Bernabeu bosses to open negotiations with United after the Premier League outfit lodged a £28.6m bid for his services, according to the Mirror.

Real Madrid are said to have rejected that offer, but the latest reports state that Ramos is determined to leave Los Blancos and will force a move away.

Meanwhile, former Real Madrid assistant Paul Clement believes that the United target is one of the best in the world, he went on to say that he would be a great Manchester United addition.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Clement said:

“He is a wonderful player, one of the best I have ever worked with.

“[He has] so many qualities, [he is] a fantastic footballer, leader, competitor, athlete, a fantastic guy.”

“He is one of the best centre-halves in the world and I’ve worked with some good ones like John Terry, Thiago Silva at PSG, good ones in Pepe and Raphael Varane but Ramos is up there with the best I’ve worked with.”

“Whether at Real Madrid or United, either club are going to massively benefit.”

Manchester United’s interest in Ramos is still very real, and they regard Ramos as their number 1 transfer target. So far, all speculation involving David De Gea in the transfer is said to be wide of the mark as United are reluctant to use the goalkeeper as part of the deal for Ramos.

De Gea’s contract at Old Trafford has 12 months to run, and United are willing to let him go for free next summer if Madrid don’t cooperate.