Benitez insists Ramos stays at Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez ruled out selling central defender Sergio Ramos on Friday.

Speaking from Melbourne in Australia where Real Madrid are on pre-season tour, Benitez was asked about the future of Spain international Ramos, who is thought to have asked the club to allow him to join Manchester United.

The former Valencia, Liverpool, Napoli and Chelsea coach made it clear that Ramos is still very much part of his plans.

"I have spoken to Sergio several times over the summer and when we were in Madrid we talked about his future and out plans... I see the future of Madrid with Sergio because he is a fundamental player for us with all of his qualities, his mentality and his leadership," said the coach.

"It' s not an issue we have talked about since then. My only worry is that he works and trains hard," he said.

Bentiez praised the way Ramos worked in training despite the uncertainty over him saying it was a "great satisfaction."

"The President, (Florentino Perez) has said he will continue and that he will remain with us. The dedication and involvement I see in him is what makes him a great captain," said Benitez.

"The only priority I have is getting the best performance from a fine group of players. It is a very good squad and it is not easy to find better players than the ones who are here," he said, refusing to answer questions about the possible signing of Manchester United keeper, David de Gea. Endi