Real Madrid clinched Ramos deal minutes before deadline

Real Madrid clinched the signing of Sevilla defender Sergio Ramos within minutes of Wednesday night's transfer deadline, it has been revealed.
 
Ramos' brother and agent, Rene, registered the deal with the Spanish PFA with less than five minutes to midnight on Wednesday.

Real agreed to pay Ramos' buyout clause - a Spanish record £18 million - after 48 hours of tense negotiations with Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido.

It's understood Del Nido maintained contact with Real chiefs through to 5:00am on Wednesday morning before resuming talks at 9:00am four hours later and continuing negotiations through to midnight. The deal moved this way and that over the period, including several hours of stand-off.

Real didn't open serious discussions over personal terms with Ramos' agents until midday on Wednesday. But the youngster was determined to see the move happen and quickly gave his approval to an eight-year contract worth an initial £2 million-a-season. He has also been given the No4 shirt.