Real Madrid will reportedly demand up to €70 million to part ways with Raphael Varane, who is a target for Manchester United.
According to a report by Spanish outlet ABC, Raphael Varane appears to be inching closer to make his way out of Real Madrid in the summer transfer window as contract talks have ceased. The French centre-back is being tailed by Manchester United over a possible transfer.
Varane is now in his tenth season with Real Madrid and over the past decade, he has established himself as one of the best defenders on the planet. A mainstay at the back for Los Blancos for a few years now, the 27-year-old has turned out 355 times for the club, even chipping in with 17 goals and 7 assists.
However, ahead of the summer transfer window, it appears as if Varane’s time at Real Madrid could come to an end after a decade-long stint, with contract talks coming to a grinding halt. While Real Madrid want to extend his current deal by four years, the fact that they want to slash his pay by 10 percent in the first year has become a sticking point. His predicament has alerted Manchester United.
Manchester United have been reported to be in the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, and for good reason. While captain Harry Maguire has been an ever-present at the back, he has not had a constant partner this term due to the fitness issues that have plagued Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.
With Maguire himself being prone to the odd error, a top class defender like Varane could go a long way in solving some of the defensive issues that have been prevalent this season at Old Trafford. It has even been reported that Real Madrid might be willing to do business with Manchester United over a summer move.
Three potential destinations for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane | THT Opinions
So, while they would prefer keeping hold of the player, his reluctance to put pen to paper on a new deal could force Real Madrid’s hand. The Merengues, on their part, are keeping their options open and have reportedly identified Pau Torres as a possible replacement. However, the Spaniard would favour a switch to Manchester United, as per reports.
Manchester United now know how much they will have to pay to secure the services of Varane, with Real Madrid slapping a €70 million price tag on him. With his current deal having a little over a year remaining on it, the valuation might be a tad bit excessive.
Nevertheless, with Varane open to calling it quits at the club, it will be interesting to see if a lower fee can be negotiated. For now, it remains to be seen if Manchester United are open to shelling out €70 million to sign the 27-year-old in the summer transfer window.
