Transfers: Manchester United fire £35million opening salvo for Sergio Ramos

This is really becoming a thing

To all those who scoffed at Manchester United's interest in Sergio Ramos as merely an attempt to irritate Real Madrid as they seek to complete a move for Old Trafford keeper David de Gea, Ed Woodward has 35million middle-finger salutes for you. That's the number of pound coins the Premier League champions have offered Real in their first official approach for the 29-year-old Spain defender, and with relations between Ramos, whose talks on a new contract have stalled, and Los Blancos appearing to be at an all-time low, the player shocked club officials by requesting that the offer be considered, although Madrid will surely insist the bid be adjusted to include their top summer target De Gea. (Daily Mail) One man United are keen to hang onto is Angel di Maria. With Lionel Messi whispering sweet nothings in his ear at the Copa America, Barcelona are thought to be readying a £45million bid for the Argentina playmaker, but United are holding firm that last summer's marquee signing will not be leaving Old Trafford this offseason. (Daily Star) Liverpool have been getting an astonishing amount of business done, but after losing out to the Merseysiders for Brazilian Roberto Firmino, United will attempt to repay the favour by swooping for Colombia forward Carlos Bacca. Sevilla are determined to hold out for the 28-year-old's £21million release clause. (Telegraph) Away from the north-west, there are actually other clubs taking part in the transfer window, and Arsenal could face a unexpected battle to hold on to one of their top defenders. With Ramos increasingly likely to depart the Bernabeu, United's move could prove doubly beneficial as Real are seriously looking at replacing him with Laurent Koscielny. The Frenchman is only a year into a new long-term contract at the Emirates, but Madrid are willing to pay £21million to prise him away from the Gunners. (Mirror) Good news here for Martin O'Neill - Richard Keogh may have missed out on promotion to the Premier League with Derby but the centre-half could be playing in the top flight next season anyway. Former Rams boss Steve McClaren is eager to be reunited with the 28-year-old at Newcastle, while Sunderland and West Brom are also keen. (Guardian)

And the rest:

West Ham have agreed the £10.7million transfer of attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet from Marseille, with the player due for a medical today. (Times) Lukas Podolski says leaving Arsenal was a mistake and the German is returning from his loan spell at Inter Milan determined to win back a place in Arsene Wenger's side. (Bild) The race for Morgan Schneiderlin's £24million signature is about to go into overdrive after the midfielder came to an agreement with Southampton over his departure. The 25-year-old is wanted by Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham, but his desire for Champions League football could rule out a move to White Hart Lane. (Mail) Atletico Madrid winger Arda Turan wants trade Spain for England and says he has offers from at least three Premier League clubs. (AS)