Benitez: Sergio Ramos optimistic over Madrid stay

The defender appeared to be on the verge of joining Manchester United after a breakdown in his relationship with club president Florentino Perez but he now looks set to stay put

Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has revealed that both Sergio Ramos and club president Florentino Perez are "optimistic" that the defender will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The centre-back looked set to leave the Spanish capital earlier this summer after allegedly falling out with Perez over the terms of his contract extension, with the Manchester United-target also reportedly feeling that he had been the victim of a public smear campaign.

However, the 29-year-old was subsequently appointed captain following Iker Casillas' transfer to Porto and moves were then made by both the player and the club to repair his relationship with Perez.

Consequently, Benitez believes that Ramos will still be at Madrid when the new season begins next month.

"I spoke to the president at lunch on Sunday and he told me that he hoped to speak with Ramos," the new Blancos boss told reporters after Monday's 3-0 friendly win over Inter.

"I’ve asked both about it and they seem to be optimistic. We’ll see ..."

Benitez was then pressed on Madrid's interest in David de Gea, with Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal admitting that the Premier League outfit had signed Sergio Romero to cover the club in the event of the Spain international moving to Madrid.

However, the former Napoli coach refused to confirm if the Blancos are finally on the verge of wrapping up a deal for the goalkeeper.

“The only thing I know is that we scored three goals and played very well," Benitez stated.

Indeed, the Champions League winner was far more interested in discussing his side's impressive win over Inter, with Jese, Raphael Varane and James Rodriguez all on target in a one-sided International Champions Cup clash.

James' strike was the pick of the goals, with the Colombia international thumping home a late free kick that prompted a question on whether the attacking midfielder should take over the set-piece duties from Cristiano Ronaldo.

“In the first half it was Cristiano who took the frees and in the second, James," Benitez stated. "We’ll see later on what happens.

"We made plenty of changes as players were tired but there was a good rhythm to the game, which was played in difficult conditions. But you can see that our defensive work is starting to pay off on the pitch.

"Also, in attack, the players are free to do what they feel is right. Having said that, the team needs to work as a group and the front line has to help with defensive tasks."