Pranav Nair
Manchester United yet to meet Real Madrid’s asking price for Raphael Varane
According to Spanish publication Marca (h/t FourFourTwo), Manchester United are yet to agree to pay Real Madrid what they want for French ace Raphael Varane.
The 28-year-old is at the top of United’s wishlist with respect to defensive recruitments. One of the best defenders in world football, Varane’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires next year.
Real who lost skipper Sergio Ramos on a free this summer and are keen to not repeat the mistake with Varane. They have not ruled out cashing in on the world cup winner this summer provided the right offer comes in.
According to the report, Real want £51.4m for the player. United meanwhile have only offered £38.5m and will need to ramp it up if they are serious about signing him. With pre-season training already underway, it is imperative that we don’t let the transfer drag on.
Real are aware that this summer represents their last chance to sell the player for a significant fee. It remains to be seen if United will wait until late in the window to make their move. It can be seen as an attempt to force Real’s hand.
However with both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain also in the race, that could backfire and hand either side the initiative. There is little doubt that Varane would improve any team that he joins.
It was reported earlier that Real Madrid wants Manchester United to include Donny van de Beek in the deal for Varane. This would see the Dutchman join the Spaniards on a loan. Real would however have the option to make the deal permanent next summer. Whether that is something that will be revisited remains to be seen.
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Having already landed Jadon Sancho, Varane should be the next major signing we focus on this summer. The Frenchman is in his prime and will address a key weakness in our squad.
