According to recent reports, the talismanic French and Real Madrid central defender, Raphael Varane, will decide his future in the upcoming days or weeks.
After the early exit of France from Euro 2020, Raphael Varane is said to be in talks with Real Madrid, PSG, as well as Manchester United.
Reports further suggest that the Old Trafford club’s discussions are going well and a move can rather be phased as when and not if, depending on Real Madrid and their stance on the player.
"Manchester United are close to finalising a deal for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, sources have told ESPN. 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.(Via: ESPN)"
All English Premier League
After the Europa League heartbreak against Villareal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for a central defender who can complement Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof at the back.
Though Manchester United are showing interest in Los Blancos’ defender, they are also scouting Pau Torres (Villareal) and Jules Kounde (Sevilla).
The Old Trafford outfit secured the services of Jadon Sancho in a deal worth €85 million from Borussia Dortmund.
The enormous deal has gobbled up most of United’s transfer budget. Los Blancos have valued Varane at €70 million whereas the Red Devils are confident in wrapping the deal up for as low as €50 million.
The 28-year-old French defender has just a year left on his contract and he is not in a mood to renew it with Real Madrid. However, the Spanish outfit is confident about extending his stay at the Bernabéu. Previously, we reported that the player prefers a move to PSG over Manchester United.
Real Madrid could lose both Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos
Raphael Varane appeared 31 times for Real Madrid in the 2020/21 season. In Sergio Ramos’ absence, Varane led the side at the back ensuring a top-two finish for Los Blancos in La Liga.
He had 1.39 blocks per 90 and 1.19 interceptions per 90 to his name in the Spanish top-flight. With Sergio Ramos said to be joining Paris St Germain on a Bosman transfer, it is highly unlikely that Raphael Varane will also join the same side.
Despite signing Ramos, PSG are adamant about signing the French center-back. But it is difficult for the French outfit to pull off the deal for him.
Sergio Ramos is set to join Paris Saint-Germain in the next days, as @mohamedbouhafsi reported! He’s expected to undergo his medical in the next few days as new PSG player. 🔵🔴 #PSG #Ramos
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2021
At the moment, Manchester United are leading the race to sign the French defender despite spending huge on Sancho. Madrid might also give the nod for the deal as the club is struggling financially and do not want to lose him on a free as well.
Varane will be allowed to talk to potential suitors as of January and can agree to a pre-contract with whoever hands him a deal he cannot refuse.
Will Manchester United sign one more marquee player in the summer transfer window? What are the possibilities that it will be Raphael Varane? Have your say below!