What's going on with Sergio Ramos' contract renewal?
By Tom Gott
Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos has entered the final six months of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and is now free to talk to other clubs over a summer transfer.
Real have been working tirelessly for what feels like an eternity to try and tie the Spain international down to a new deal, but unlike with Luka Modric, talks have barely progressed and the two parties find themselves at an impasse.
Ramos wage demands proving problematic
With the financial impact of the COVID-19 outbreak still being felt, Real have asked their players to accept 10% reductions to their salaries to help the club stay afloat, but Cadena SER believe Ramos isn't too happy about that.
It's claimed that Ramos wants to retain his €15m-a-year salary and is not prepared to accept a wage cut, and with Real not financially able to offer such a deal, talks have hit yet another brick wall.
Ramos is also pushing for a two-year extension, whereas Real are only prepared to offer him a 1+1 deal if he wants to keep his current salary, which would give them the freedom to walk away from Ramos in the summer of 2022 if they no longer feel he justifies the money.
Ramos 'ready' to listen to other offers
While most reports find it hard to imagine Ramos playing for another team, El Chiringuito's Josep Pedrerol believes that may not be out of the question anymore.
It's claimed that Ramos held a two-and-a-half hour meeting with Real president Florentino Perez ahead of the recent 1-1 draw with Elche, during which Ramos respectfully stressed that he would not accept their contract offer and he is now prepared to listen to offers from elsewhere.
Pederol even goes as far as to claim that Ramos has been contacted by Paris Saint-Germain, who have made clear their intentions to sign both the centre-back and Barcelona's Lionel Messi at the end of the season.
Fanciful but cause for concern nonetheless.
Pep Guardiola monitoring situation
If Ramos is ready to start listening to other offers, he may well get one from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
ESPN state that the City boss is keeping a close eye on Ramos' situation, with Guardiola open to the idea of bringing the 34-year-old in on a free transfer to give his side some extra leadership at the back.
Guardiola is not alone, however, as sources confirmed to 90min in November that the remainder of the Premier League's 'big six' have expressed an interest in Ramos as well.
Dani Ceballos' verdict
Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos revealed to El Larguero that he has spoken with Ramos and got the impression that the defender wants to stay with Real.
“I spoke with Ramos today and if I had to bet I would say that he is renewing with Real Madrid," he said. "I think he wants to finish his career there."
David Alaba talks stalling
Real are keen to bring in Bayern Munich's David Alaba on a free transfer in the summer, and although he is not specifically seen as a replacement for Ramos, there's an acknowledgement that the Austrian could end up taking his spot at the Bernabeu.
The problem with a move for Alaba is the Bayern man's wages. Goal believe that talks have stalled because Alaba is asking to become the highest earner in Real's first team - something Los Blancos are not currently able to offer.
It was recently revealed by Marca that Barcelona were forced to pull out of talks with Alaba because of his financial demands, but unlike their rivals, Real aren't giving up just yet and they are still seen as favourites to get a deal over the line.