Rafa Benitez has reportedly made it clear to Real Madrid that he views Sergio Ramos indispensable to his plans.
The defender has been linked with Manchester United this past week after purportedly becoming disillusioned with life at the Santiago Bernabeu, but AS claims the Coach is desperate to keep him.
Although Iker Casillas is captain, Ramos is regarded as the most powerful figure in the Madrid dressing room, and it is this status which has prompted Benitez to elect him as his leader.
Consequently, the former Liverpool and Valencia boss has requested to be kept in the loop with any developments surrounding the player’s future.
Benitez was involved in a similar situation upon his arrival at Anfield in 2004, when he eventually convinced Steven Gerrard to stave off interest from Chelsea.
Nonetheless, his stance is not expected to earn Madrid redemption in the 28-year-old’s eyes as he is understood to remain aggrieved by a breakdown in contract negotiations and deliberate leaks to the Press.
AS previously reported that Madrid had slapped a €90m price on the centre-back’s head after they rejected an opening €50m bid from United.
Nonetheless, Los Blancos are confident that a resolution will be found before the start of pre-season on July 10.
