Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for French centre-back Raphael Varane, who is eager to leave Real Madrid in the summer.
According to a report by The Sun, Raphael Varane has once again popped up on the radar of Manchester United, this time over the possibility of signing him in the summer transfer window. The French international is looking to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Varane has enjoyed a glittering career since joining Real Madrid from Lens in the summer of 2011. Set to complete a decade in the Spanish capital this year, the 27-year-old has gone on to amass 344 appearances for the reigning La Liga champions, while also having won every trophy he has vied for multiple times.
Also a World Cup winner with France, it is suffice to say he has been one of the best defenders in the past decade. However, Varane’s future at Real Madrid is up in the air, with recent reports going on to claim that he wants to call it quits at the club in the summer in order to embark on a fresh challenge. And, Manchester United are prepared to provide him such a challenge.
Manchester United’s interest in Varane is not new, with the Red Devils having been linked with him on a number of occasions previously. United, though, might not get a better opportunity to secure the services of the French international, seeing as he wants to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.
The report, though, suggests that Dayot Upamecano – another centre-back who is on their radar – is the priority for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer while adding that Manchester United will make a move for Varane instead if they are unable to land his compatriot. The keenness on signing a centre-back is not unfounded either.
While Harry Maguire has recovered well after a slow start to the season, he has not had a regular partner at the back, with both Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly struggling with persistent fitness issues. Both Lindelof and Bailly have improved as the season has worn on, but their injury troubles mean that Manchester United do need to delve into the transfer market.
For now, though, Varane is merely a subject of interest from Manchester United, and it will be interesting to see if they end up turning their attention towards him. What does appear to be certain is that he wishes to leave Real Madrid in the summer and could be set for a new adventure soon.