New Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has called Sergio Ramos "a very important player", as the speculation surrounding the centre-back continues to gather pace.

Ramos has still not agreed a new deal with Los Blancos, meaning that, as it stands, he will leave the Bernabeu on a free transfer at the end of June.

Ancelotti, who has returned to Real Madrid as a replacement for Zinedine Zidane, has said that he wants to keep the experienced defender at the club.

However, the Italian has refused to offer any guarantees when it comes to the 35-year-old, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League ahead of next season.

"I can't imagine a Real Madrid without Sergio Ramos but I also couldn't imagine a day without Carlo Ancelotti!" Ancelotti told reporters.

"It is clear that Sergio Ramos is a very important player and has been fundamental for many successes at this club. I know there are talks over a renewal, but I don't know the details, when I do, I can say more."

Ramos, who struggled with a number of injury problems during the 2020-21 campaign, has been controversially left out of the Spain squad for this summer's European Championships. body check tags ::