Sergio Ramos would give Manchester United a huge boost if he joined them, according to Real Madrid's former assistant manager Paul Clement.
Clement, who was Carlo Ancelotti's second in command when Real won the Champions League in 2014, said the Spaniard ranks among the world's best centre-backs. And the new Derby manager believes it would be a coup for United to sign Ramos as he argued the 29-year-old can stand comparison with the top defenders in the game.
United have had a €40 million bid for Ramos rejected but are yet to raise that offer, with sources telling ESPN FC that they believe it to be a fair and appropriate price for a player of his age.
The World Cup winner, whose contract talks with Real have broken down, has reportedly told the 10-time European champions he wants to leave. But Clement, who has coached at both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, feels it is in their best interests to keep him.
"He is a wonderful player, one of the best I have ever worked with," Clement told Sky Sports. "[He has] so many qualities, [he is] a fantastic footballer, leader, competitor, athlete, a fantastic guy.
"He is one of the best centre-halves in the world and I've worked with some good ones like John Terry, Thiago Silva at PSG, good ones in Pepe and Raphael Varane but Ramos is up there with the best I've worked with.
"Whether at Real Madrid or United, either club are going to massively benefit. Wherever he is, it's going to a massive plus for that club."
Ramos has emerged as United's top target, after Borussia Dortmund insisted Mats Hummels is remaining with the Bundesliga club, as manager Louis van Gaal looks to sign another central defender.