Real Madrid join the race for Manchester United target Sergio Romero  

  • Sergio Romero is a free agent after leaving Sampdoria last month
  • The 28-year-old has held talks with both Manchester United and Roma 
  • Romero is managed by super-agent Mino Raiola
  • Real Madrid have now expressed an interest in signing the Argentine 
  • United see Romero as an ideal replacement if either Victor Valdes or David de Gea depart Old Trafford this summer 

By Simon Jones for the Daily Mail

Published: 16:30 EST, 15 July 2015 | Updated: 10:53 EST, 16 July 2015

Real Madrid have joined Manchester United and Roma by enquiring after free agent goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

The Argentina international is looked after by super-agent Mino Raiola and has already held talks with United and Roma about a deal for the former Sampdoria keeper.

However, United are reported to have offered the 28-year-old higher wages - in the region of £1.4million a year - than the Serie A club can equal.

Scroll down for video 

Real Madrid have joined the hunt for Sergio Romero, who left Sampdoria last month

Real Madrid have joined the hunt for Sergio Romero, who left Sampdoria last month

The 28-year-old has already held talks with Manchester United and Roma over a potential move

The 28-year-old has already held talks with Manchester United and Roma over a potential move

United see Romero as someone who can step in for David de Gea should he go although they would prefer Jasper Cillessen of Ajax as the No 1 to replace De Gea.

The former Monaco keeper played for Louis Van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar and stopped Holland from reaching the World Cup final last summer with his exploits in the penalty shoot-out.

Roma though are willing to make him their No 1 and that could prove decisive.

Meanwhile, United are ready to sell Victor Valdes after Louis van Gaal hit out at the goalkeeper's attitude by revealing he refused to play for the club's second string last season.

The 33-year-old was left off United's tour to USA and worked with club physios back at Carrington on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Victor Valdes (centre) is on his way out after Louis van Gaal said he 'doesn't follow my philosophy

Victor Valdes (centre) is on his way out after Louis van Gaal said he 'doesn't follow my philosophy

'Valdes is not selected [for the tour] because he doesn't follow my philosophy. The philosophy is how you play football and how you maintain your match rhythm,' said Van Gaal.

'He refused last year to play in the second team. There are a lot of other aspects in the philosophy how you have to play like a goalkeeper at Manchester United. When you are not willing [to apply] the principles of that philosophy there is only one way, and that is out.

'For us this is a big disappointment. We thought he would follow our philosophy. It's a pity because we have given the opportunity to rehabilitate. Then we gave a contract. Then of course he is fit to play. When you're not playing in the first selection, you have to play in the second selection.' 

 

 

 

Comments (22)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now