According to ESPN, Manchester United have been dealt a big blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly lining up a big money move for the centre-back.

What's the word?

Reports in recent weeks from CalcioMercato, via The Mirror, said the Red Devils are reportedly eyeing up a move for Ramos on a two-year deal after shelving their chase for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.

Ramos, 34, is out of contract in the summer, but would only be able to join at the end of the season after agreeing a pre-contract deal.

However, it's claimed the French champions, who are favourites at openchange.org to retain their title, have stolen a march on their European rivals as they are understood to have made Ramos a firm offer.

Imagine Ramos and Harry Maguire

The Spaniard has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe in recent years, helping Zinedine Zidane's side to victory in La Liga last year.

Last season, the 34-year-old, who can also play on the right, earned a high average WhoScored rating of 7.07 for his efforts as Real ran away with the title.

There's no doubting the fact he would make an excellent partner for Harry Maguire in the heart of the defence, as the pair share similar characteristics and traits.

Like Maguire, Ramos, who earns around £312,000-per-week at the Bernabeu, isn't afraid to get in stuck in and do the dirty work, often using his sheer strength to deny opponents any clear-cut opportunities. This season in La Liga, the veteran has made 1.1 tackles per 90, which rises to 1.7 in the Nations League, whilst he is currently averaging more tackles per game than Maguire (0.8 overall).

During his time with the Spanish side, former United manager Jose Mourinho was full of praise for the Spanish international, dubbing him a "fantastic" footballer despite leaving him out of the side that beat Manchester City 2-1 in 2012.

Given his age, Ramos could bring experience and quality to sort out the disorganised back line that was the team's biggest weakness against Tottenham Hotspur last year, and could leave a lasting positive impression on the likes of Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Granted, he's not a long-term solution, but United want to win trophies now - and if that is the case, then Ed Woodward must act swiftly in the January transfer window.

AND in other news, Ed Woodward should sanction Man Utd swoop for Christoph Baumgartner...