Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez refused to rule out rumours of making a bid for David de Gea and said he was confident Sergio Ramos would stay at his club after watching his side beat Inter Milan 3-0 in Guangzhou on Monday.
Real’s Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo put on a scintillating first-half show, James Rodriguez capped a brief cameo with a stunning goal and Jese and Raphael Varane also scored either side of half-time.
But Benitez again had to field questions about the transfer rumour mill before he could praise his players after a thumping win in the International Champions Cup.
Manchester United earlier on Monday signed Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, ramping up the speculation that Spaniard De Gea would head back to his home country, possibly in a deal involving Real captain Ramos going the other way.
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“De Gea?” said Benitez when asked about the rumours by reporters. “All I know is we scored three goals and I’m very happy.”
Benitez added that Ramos had met club president Florentino Perez in Guangzhou on Monday and reiterated his belief that the defender was going nowhere and would sign a new contract soon.
“I asked Perez how the meeting with Ramos went on Sunday after dinner,” said Benitez. “He told me both parties were optimistic. I am optimistic.”
On the field it was the display of the modern-day Galacticos Ronaldo and Bale that will live long in the memory of the almost 40,000 fans who packed the Tianhe stadium and left Benitez purring.
“The players’ attitude has been very good pre-season,” said Benitez.
“To score three and not concede shows the hard work is paying off. It was a fantastic performance. Very good in front of goal.”
By AFP