Sergio Ramos to Manchester United. It's a lock, right?
Well, don't be so sure. That United would simply get a free run at the wantaway Real Madrid defender is unimaginable.
We take a close look at four alternatives who could give United a run for their money now that Ramos is on the open market:
AC MILAN
No Champions League football and with a mid-table squad, a move to Milan would appear a stretch. But armed with the fresh cash injection from new investor Bee Taechaubol, the Rossoneri have the spending power to compete with United for the Spaniard.
Indeed, before their demise, if Ramos was ever to leave Real, it was expected Milan would be his destination. The defender loves the city and is a regular tourist.
If Bee wanted to introduce himself to the global football community, trumping United to the signing of Ramos would be some way of doing so.
MANCHESTER CITY
Are City, free of the shackles of Financial Fair Play, really going to allow United to land Ramos without a fight? Finding a central defensive partner for Vincent Kompany has plagued City's former Barcelona directors, Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, since their arrival almost four years ago. The chance of pairing Ramos next to Kompany surely wouldn't be passed up?
With Joe Hart, sitting behind Kompany and Ramos, City would have a defensive apex as good as anything in Europe. Begiristain and Soriano are still to attract world class talent to the Etihad. Ramos is available on a plate. Are they really going to give him a swerve?
Like City, PSG are clear of FFP and ready to spend big again. A swoop for Sergio Ramos would give PSG the stardust they fear losing once Zlatan Ibrahimovic decides it's time to move on. It would also allow David Luiz to step into midfield, where he believes he is at his best.
Like at City alongside Vincent Kompany, pairing Ramos with PSG captain Thiago Silva would form perhaps the best central defensive pairing in the game.
CHELSEA
This one's a long shot. Ramos was one of the big influences on Jose Mourinho's demise at Real Madrid. The defender was part of a leadership group which brought down the Special One as he attempted to force through personnel changes.
The pair simply didn't see eye-to-eye. But we could say the same about Cesc Fabregas and his attitude towards Mourinho during his time with Arsenal and Barcelona. Now the pair are the best of friends - and Premier League title winners.
With John Terry turning 35 this year, Mourinho needs to find an experienced, leading centre-half to eventually succeed the Blues captain. Would Ramos be considered at Cobham HQ?
