If we are to believe recent reports, Manchester United have reignited their interest in Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane. The Reds are expected to strengthen their defence in the summer. This could potentially favour Real Madrid’s interest to sell the French international.
Raphael Varane has been a regular feature in the transfer pages for a while now along with his defensive partner Sergio Ramos. Los Blancos have not been consistent this season and the Frenchman’s topsy-turvy displays in defence especially during the intermittent absence of his captain have raised doubts over his future at the club.
Real Madrid are also concerned about the possibility of Raphael Varane leaving as a free agent next year. Any contract extension talks between Varane and Real Madrid have not taken place so far and there is a feeling the player is unlikely to accept any forthcoming offer as well.
So, the Galacticos will want United to pursue their interest in Varane as per Manchester Evening News.
Solskjaer has said that transfer markets will not be the same as before post the pandemic, however, he is likely to pursue his goal of getting a strong and experienced defender to partner Harry Maguire.
Manchester United look set to pursue the services of a big name striker who can solve their issues in front of goal and are also expected to invest in a centre-back.
Real Madrid are facing financial issues at the moment and their intention to mount a transfer bid for Mbappe can only come to fruition if they raise money through player sales.
There are not many players in the current Madrid squad who are wanted by the big clubs in Europe. One of the top names for whom they could get a decent return is the 27-year-old World Cup winner Raphael Varane.
Manchester United did scout the player in the past and Madrid were expecting a big-money transfer of around €100 in 2018. But, they are set to accept a much lower price this summer.
An ideal partner for Maguire?
Having cost a whopping £80million in his move from Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019, Harry Maguire was expected to have a similar impact as that of Virgil van Dijk. But he has been decent without being spectacular and hasn’t had a consistent partner for most of his time at Old Trafford. Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have been sporadically good but neither has impressed enough to stake a permanent long-term place in the side.
Former player and pundit Gary Neville has already insisted that the Red Devils need to invest in an experienced centre-back if they are to challenge consistently for the title.
Signing Raphael Varane would be a huge statement of intent by Manchester United. He has got a different skill set compared to Maguire and can form an excellent partnership with the towering English international. Looking at his 10-year career at Madrid, Raphael Varane has been an exceptional player with very few injury lay-offs. If this signing goes through, it will be a significant step in United’s endeavours to step up and make themselves count as serious title challengers.
Raphael Varane would be an excellent addition and will come on board with serious calibre, something which can decisively transform United’s fortunes in England and Europe.
