Manchester United handed a boost in Raphael Varane pursuit
According to Spanish publication AS, Manchester United target Raphael Varane is ready to leave Real Madrid and is in favour of embarking on a new challenge.
The 27-year-old has formed the bedrock of the Los Blancos defence alongside skipper Sergio Ramos for a number of years. With his contract expiring in 2022, a decision on his future has to be made sooner than later.
Soon to be 28, Varane has won everything possible with Real Madrid. He is open to a new challenge and has a favourable view of the Premier League.
Penning a new long-term deal would commit the player to Real for the prime of his career. The chance of him embarking on a new journey will be out of the question. It can be argued that the time is now or never for the Frenchman.
Madrid for their part are keen to keep hold of the player. However, if he continues to stall on a deal, they are ready to listen to offers.
Los Blancos have already identified three centre-back targets going into the summer. While the club has already made a bid for David Alaba, pursuing their interest in Jules Kounde and Pau Torres is dependent on Varane’s departure.
Interestingly both Kounde and Torres also feature on United’s list of targets. The Red Devils are in need of a centre-back and are expected to be in the market at the end of the campaign.
Advantage Varane
Rated at £70million, Varane will not come cheap. But given his experience, he will be worth his weight in gold. The situation surrounding the player is akin to the events of 2019 where Varane was once again linked away from the Bernabeu.
However unlike then, with the contract running out, the player holds the aces when it comes to negotiations. Whether United can take advantage of the situation remains to be seen.
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Varane was a player United have kept tabs on for a long time. He even rejected a chance to move to Old Trafford after the Red Devils signed Phil Jones in 2011. (h/t Independent)
One of the best defenders in the world, the Red Devils could finally snag him next summer while he is still in his prime.
