PSG have reportedly established contact with Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, who is also a summer target for Manchester United.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, the race to sign Raphael Varane is heating up, with PSG contacting the French defender over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Real Madrid contract rebel, who is valued at around €60 million, is also being tailed by Manchester United.
Varane has enjoyed a trophy-laden decade-long stint with Real Madrid since arriving from Lens in the summer of 2011. In this period, the 28-year-old has established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe while also going on to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.
So far in his Real Madrid career, Varane has made 360 appearances, chipping in with 17 goals and 7 assists. However, with a little over a year remaining on his current contract with the Merengues, it is likely that Varane might have played for the final time for the Spanish giants. There is no shortage of suitors for the defender either, with Manchester United and PSG eyeing him.
Manchester United hold a long-standing interest in Varane, having made previous attempts to sign him. The Red Devils, though, finally seem to have a realistic opportunity to secure the services of the Real Madrid defender this summer. And so, they seem to be going all out in his pursuit, having prepared a lucrative deal for him.
The interest in Varane makes a great deal of sense as well, considering just how inconsistent Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have been over the last few years. With Axel Tuanzebe not making the kind of progress that was envisioned of him, it is imperative that Manchester United sign a quality centre-back to be Harry Maguire’s long-term central defensive partner, with Varane a viable target.
However, Manchester United are now facing stiff competition from PSG for the 28-year-old, with the French heavyweights already making their first move by contacting the French international’s entourage. In turn, Varane is open to a switch to Parc des Princes as well, which will then prompt Les Parisiens to approach Real Madrid.
On their part, Real Madrid are open to the prospect of selling Varane this summer and want to recoup around €60 million for him. With his contract expiring in 2022, the amount might seem to be a little excessive in the current financial climate, although it remains to be seen if either PSG or Manchester United are ready to meet Real Madrid’s valuation.