Liverpool have set their sights on Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, who is also on Manchester United’s radar as they look to shore up their defence in the summer.
As per reports from Diario Madridista, Liverpool are in the market for a central defender in the summer and have identified Raphael Varane as their prime target in the upcoming transfer window. However, the Merseyside club are going to face tough competition from rivals Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of the Frenchman’s signature.
Varane has been one of the key members at the Santiago Bernabeu and has won a lot of trophies for the club in his tenure. The French defender looked set to leave Los Blancos in the summer of 2019, with a few offers already on the table for the player. However, Zinedine Zidane’s return to the club convinced Varane to stay.
Varane’s contract expires at the end of the 2021/22 season and he has not pledged his future with the club. So, Los Merengues could be forced into cash in on the defender in the summer transfer window.
The Spanish club still have not reached an agreement with their captain, Sergio Ramos, to continue for another season either, leaving them in a difficult position. However, the Santiago Bernabeu faithful are ready to welcome David Alaba with Real Madrid looking the most likely to sign the Austrian on a free transfer after his contract expires with Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has been struck with an injury crisis in their defence that has derailed the English club’s title defence this season, with Liverpool currently sixth on the Premier League table.
Virgil van Dijk, who is one of the best centre-backs in the world, tore his ligaments in his right knee at the start of the season and is currently on an intensive rehabilitation that could be extended till the end of the season. In addition, both Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have also been sidelined with serious injuries as well.
Klopp will look to add Varane’s quality and experience in his defence for next season. Once van Dijk returns to full fitness at the start of next season, the Dutch defender could form a mouth-watering centre-back partnership with the Frenchman. However, they will likely face competition from arch-rivals Manchester United in his pursuit.
The Red Devils have enough options at the heart of the defence but have been blighted by the inconsistencies of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. And, given Eric Bailly’s injury issues, bringing in another top centre-back in the summer transfer window makes a lot of sense for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer & co.
So, it remains to be seen if Liverpool will beat their rivals Manchester United, as well as PSG in the race to sign Varane from Real Madrid come the end of the season.
