Sergio Ramos has urged Spain teammate David de Gea to remain professional in the aftermath of his hopes of joining the defender at Real Madrid being dashed in bizarre circumstances. 

De Gea, who has not featured this season for United amid intense speculation regarding a move to the Spanish capital, looked all set to join Real prior to Tuesday's (AEST) window closing in La Liga after a deal was brokered that included Keylor Navas heading in the opposite direction.

But the relevant paperwork was not completed in time and the two clubs issued statements on Wednesday pointing fingers at each other for the collapse of a transfer that had been mooted for months. 

Ramos, who was a target for United until he signed a new long-term Madrid deal last month, was coy when quizzed on the situation, but thinks a pragmatic approach is now required from everyone involved. 

"I haven't spoken to him [De Gea] sincerely, we haven't spoken, and I don't know what opinion he will have, but well, life is like that," said Ramos while on international duty with Spain. "Sometimes in some moments it's our turn to experience it and deal with it in the best way possible. 

"Everyone has to take responsibility for his reality and show his best level where he is."

Ramos admitted to not having a huge amount of focus on the deadline and couldn't get into any details. 

"I've had the day off and the truth is I've been a little disconnected," he said. "I can't tell you anything. To talk about a footballer who isn't a Real Madrid player would be a lack of respect to any of my teammates and in that sense, we have two great goalkeepers and it doesn't depend on any Real Madrid player."