Manchester United are not expected to look for another central defender should Sergio Ramos sign a new contract with Real Madrid.

United manager Louis van Gaal was keen on bringing the 29-year-old to Old Trafford.

However, sources close to the La Liga giants say that Ramos has now patched up his differences with the club and a new deal is imminent.

Manchester United aren't expected to look for a defender if Sergio Ramos signs a new deal with Real Madrid

Ramos (right) in action for Real against Inter Milan during a pre-season clash in Guangzhou on Monday

United say there has not been any expression of interest in Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi

United have not given up entirely on Ramos but Sportsmail understands that should he, as expected, pen an extension at the Bernabeu they will not seek an alternative.

Van Gaal is comfortable with England duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, Argentine Marcos Rojo and the redeployment of the versatile Daley Blind as a left-sided centre back has given him a further option at the heart of his defence.

Despite some hairy moments, Blind, signed as a holding midfielder, kept Luis Suarez scoreless in Saturday's morale-boosting 3-1 friendly victory over Barcelona in the US.

United had been linked with a move for Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi but sources at the club say there has not been any expression of interest in the 27-year-old.

Manchester United dfender Chris Smalling (left) in training action in California on Monday

United defender Phil Jones in training in the US on the Red Devils' pre-season tour

United utility man Daley Blind (left) attempts to block a shot from Barcelona striker Luis Suarez

Ramos, viewed as a world class player by Van Gaal, was targeted on the back of Real's interest in David de Gea and not because the Dutchman felt a pressing need to bring in another defender.

The Spain World Cup winner had been infuriated with Real following press briefings he believed were directed by the club which had questioned his loyalty when he asked for £260,000-a-week.

However, following a meeting on Real's tour of China, the relationship has been mended and a new deal is expected to be announced on the club's return to Madrid.

United defender Marcos Rojo is another option for boss Louis van Gaal should Ramos stay at Real