Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal will end his central defensive pursuit if he is unable to sign Sergio Ramos.

The Manchester Evening News is reporting that the Red Devils will not go after another centre-back if they cannot lure Spain international Ramos from Real Madrid.

Van Gaal currently has Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marco Rojo, Daley Blind, Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett as his central defensive options and will cease his chase for another player in that position if Ramos stays at the Santiago Bernabeu.

United has been heavily linked with Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi but it is suggested that van Gaal is not interested in the Argentine.