Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has expressed his desire to make the switch to Manchester United, according to former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon. The Spanish international has been involved in a lengthy saga that some presume is a ploy to secure a more lucrative contract with the Spanish giants.

“I know Sergio has told the general manager to listen to offers they get from Manchester United,” Calderon, who served Madrid between 2006 and 2009, told BBC Sport. “He only wants to go to United.”

United have failed to win any major competitions since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement at the end of the 2012/13 season, whereas Madrid have since enjoyed success in the Copa del Rey, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal will be looking to build on his team’s recent improvements, and views the World Cup winner as an ideal candidate to help do so.

On Ramos’ relationship with the Madrid hierarchy, Calderon said:

“Things are in a very bad situation. As time has gone on, things have not only not improved, they have got worse. “Now it is not a question of money. It is a lack of affection the player is feeling from Real Madrid.”

The center-back’s mother, however, believes her son will remain with Madrid. When prompted by Spanish television channel La Sexta whether her son wanted to remain at the Bernabeu, she answered, “Of course. Real Madrid above all.”

In response to questions about a potential United switch, she dismissed the possibility, saying, “No. I think not, let’s go…He wants Spain.”

Ramos, who has two years remaining on his current contract with Los Blancos, saw his club reject United’s £28.6 million bid for his services earlier in the week.