Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos after manager Rafa Benitez said he was “100 per cent sure” the player will not leave Real Madrid for Manchester United this summer.

United boss Louis van Gaal refused to rule out a move for Ramos earlier in the week, suggesting the transfer was “a process.”

When Benitez was asked about the possibility of Ramos departing, the Spaniard said:

“For me, 100 per cent. I insist that it is clear for me and the club, Sergio will be here. Football is a curious world, but Ramos will be staying.”

“I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal, but Sergio will be staying with us. He is our player, our captain. I would like to see him at the beginning of the season, because he’s a key player for us.”

The 29-year-old is under contract with Real Madrid until 2017, and is said to end his decade long collaboration with Real and start looking for a new challenge.

Manchester United are hugely linked with a move for Ramos with Real Madrid’s interest in goalkeeper David De Gea potentially being used by United to their advantage in their attempts to sign the Spanish defender.

Benitez had this to say on the United keeper: “It’s very simple, De Gea is not our player so nothing to say about him.”

United are reported to have offered Sergio Ramos an £8.5 million-a-year contract as they look to prise him from Real Madrid. Ramos’ discussions over a contract extension with Madrid are said to have stalled.

[All quotes via Sky Sports]