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Real Madrid 'optimistic' Sergio Ramos will stay at club, says Rafa Benitez

Real Madrid are "optimistic" that defender Sergio Ramos will remain at the club, coach Rafa Benitez said on Monday.

A reported target of Manchester United, Ramos met with Real president Florentino Perez on Sunday to discuss his future.

The 29-year-old, who started in Monday's 3-0 triumph over Inter Milan in Guangzhou, China, is set to extend his contract with Real beyond his current deal, which expires in June 2017.

When asked about Ramos' meeting with Perez, Benitez said after the game: "I spoke to the president during Sunday's lunch and he told me that he was going to talk with Ramos.

"I asked both of them and the two were optimistic. We shall see."

Meanwhile, Benitez declined to comment on reports linking Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea with Real this summer.

When asked about De Gea, Benitez said: "The only thing I know is that we played well, we scored three goals and I'm very happy."

Benitez was satisfied with his team's finishing against his former club.

"In general terms, there are many positive things again to take with us," he said. "To see that we take our chances is a satisfaction because the work is paying off."

Spanish forward Jese, sidelined for eight months last year with a serious right knee injury, scored Real's first in the 29th minute.

Substitute Rafael Varane doubled Real's lead in the 56th minute before James Rodriguez came on late to wrap up the win with a stunning free kick two minutes before the end.

Benitez said he expects a lot from Jese.

"He had the injury," Benitez said. "Once he gets continuity, he will improve his physical condition. He has the quality and he will improve.

"Jese is proving that he has the will and that is important. We need players with attitude and he has that."

James' free kick goal has opened a debate as to who should be responsible for taking Real's free kicks, a job that has belonged to Cristiano Ronaldo.

"In the first half it was Cristiano and in the second half it was James," Benitez said.

Keylor Navas started in goal before Kiko Casilla made his debut, coming on after the restart in one of five changes made by Benitez at half-time.

Casilla joined Real two weeks ago on a permanent transfer from Espanyol.

"I believe competition between goalkeepers is always good," Benitez said. "He hasn't had a lot of work to do. But both of them have done a good job.

"It's positive to know there is always an alternative."

Real lost their first preseason game in Melbourne, Australia, in a penalty shootout to Roma after both sides failed to score in open play. Next, they beat Manchester City 4-1 before returning to play in China for the first time in four years.

Real take on AC Milan on Thursday in Shanghai before returning to Europe.

Benitez, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the helm at the end of this past season, is pleased with what he has seen so far.

"We played well, we scored goals and didn't concede," he said. "We still have work to do but the key has been the very good attitude shown by the players. This allows us to defend and attack well."