Rafael Benítez is “100%” sure Sergio Ramos will stay at Real Madrid despite interest from Manchester United.

United are supposedly willing to exchange David de Gea for Ramos, who is reportedly unhappy about the salary he has been offered as part of a new deal at the Bernabéu.

Ramos and Real are yet to resolve their differences, but Benítez insists the defender will remain at the club. “I have a lot of respect for [United manager] Louis van Gaal, but Sergio will be staying with us,” the Real manager said at a press conference in Australia before the team’s friendly against Manchester City. “He is our player, our captain. I would like to see him [at the club] at the beginning of the season, because he’s a key player for us.”

When asked whether he was absolutely certain the centre-half would stay, Benítez said: “For me, 100%. I insist that it is clear for me and the club, Sergio will be here. Football is a curious world, but Ramos will be staying.”

Ramos has won a host of honours – including the Champions League – since joining Real from Sevilla 10 years ago, and the 29-year-old has been appointed club captain this summer following the exit of long-serving goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who has joined Porto on a two-year deal.