Real Madrid superstar Raphael Varane is reportedly closing in on a transfer to Manchester United, with the club confident of securing a deal for €50 million.
According to a report from ESPN, Manchester United could be closing in on their second major signing of the summer, with Raphael Varane likely to make the switch from Real Madrid in the ongoing transfer window.
Varane has been with Real Madrid for ten years now and has established himself as one of the most successful modern-day defenders in the game during his stay in the Spanish capital. However, as he enters the final year of his contract with the Merengues, the Frenchman has his sights set on a new challenge in his career, sparking the interest of Manchester United, among other clubs.
Manchester United have been in the market for a new centre-back as they look to find the ideal partner for club captain Harry Maguire. Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly have been blighted by inconsistency and fitness issues, whereas youngster Axel Tuanzebe is likely to head out on loan this summer. With Phil Jones not part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans either, it is important that the Red Devils bolster their defence before next season.
To that end, the 20-time English champions have been linked with various players over the course of the past few months, but Varane is a player that has been on the radars of Manchester United for the longest time. And, it seems like the club are closing on signing the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner in the ongoing transfer window.
When contacted by ESPN, a source at Manchester United confirmed there had been “some discussions” regarding Varane, but added that no time frame for a transfer is in place. However, following France’s surprise exit from the UEFA Euro 2020 earlier this week, the Red Devils have ramped up their efforts to get a deal across the line at the earliest possible.
It is claimed that Real Madrid initially wanted €70 million for their star defender despite his current contract situation. However, Manchester United are confident of closing the deal for a fee of around €50 million, given that Carlo Ancelotti’s side are desperate for transfer funds to rebuild their squad this summer amid a difficult financial situation.
In case this does materialise, Real Madrid will be dealt a second blow this summer having already lost former captain Sergio Ramos, whose contract expired and is currently a free agent now. Los Blancos could use the proceeds from Varane’s sale to move for Spanish defender Pau Torres, who has been linked heavily with a move to Old Trafford as well.
As for Manchester United, things are looking auspicious, with the club having already completed the signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund earlier this week. Should a move for Varane also see the light of the day, it will make for a brilliant start to the transfer window for Solskjaer & co. as they look to topple neighbours Manchester City from their perch.
