Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has reiterated that captain Sergio Ramos will not be leaving the club this summer.

The defender has been consistently linked with a move to Manchester United during the transfer window, with many reports suggesting the centre-back could be involved in a swap deal that would see goalkeeper David de Gea move in the opposite direction.

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has refused to rule out a potential deal for the Spanish international defender, but Benitez has now confirmed that he is certain the former Sevilla man will remain in Madrid.

He said: “For me, 100 per cent. 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.”

The former Liverpool boss sees the 29-year-old as a vital player as Los Blancos aim to regain both their European and domestic crowns during the upcoming campaign.

He continued: “I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal, but Sergio will be staying with us. He is our player, our captain. I would like to see him at the beginning of the season, because he’s a key player for us.”

The 55-year-old refused to be drawn on his own side’s interest in De Gea and he insisted that it would be wrong for him to discuss players who are contracted to other clubs.

Benitez said: “It’s very simple, De Gea is not our player so nothing to say about him.”

Los Blancos are 2.40 second favourites to secure what would be their first La Liga title next season since 2012.