Manchester United has informed Real Madrid that they want to sign Sergio Ramos as part of any bid for David de Gea.

Ramos has an official buyout clause of €180 million (£128m) but his contract at the Bernabéu expires in July 2017 and United are believed to think they have a chance of signing Ramos without having to meet that figure.

Real Madrid have made an initial offer of €18 million for De Gea, who has one season remaining on his contract with United.

Ramos is one of three primary central defenders for Real Madrid along with Raphael Varane and Pepe.