Report: Manchester United respond to Real Madrid's bid for David De Gea, want to sign Sergio Ramos

Manchester United are reportedly upping the ante in Real Madrid's pursuit of David De Gea.

According to the Guardian, United have responded to Real Madrid's bid for the Spanish 'keeper by communicating a desire to sign Sergio Ramos, who is believed to have a buyout clause in his contract of €180 million (£128 million).

Ramos is viewed as something of an icon at the Estadio Bernabeu, but negotiations over a new contract at Real Madrid have allegedly been at a halt for some time, giving United the belief they can sign the 29-year-old centre-back.

It's worth noting that Ramos's contract expires in July 2017 and that it's unusual for a player at Real Madrid to enter the final two years of a deal.

United reportedly rejected Real Madrid's initial bid for De Gea. However, Los Blancos apparently remain convinced that they'll land the 24-year-old shot-stopper and have since sent representatives to the United Kingdom to request a price.

De Gea's likely move to Real Madrid is one of the predominant stories going into the summer transfer window, as he's allegedly told his teammates that he'll be joining his boyhood club.