Fear of being played driving new Man Utd strategy over Varane transfer
The new approach Man Utd are taking in their quest to pull off a Raphael Varane transfer has been put down to wishing to avoid repeating previous Real Madrid heartache, per a source.
With the official confirmation of Jadon Sancho’s transfer imminent, Man Utd have turned their attention to revamping their defence. Harry Maguire once again showed why he commanded such a lofty transfer fee when excelling at Euro 2020. That was despite entering the tournament battling for fitness after a late season ankle injury.
But to truly compete with Man City for the Premier League title, the commonly held belief is that an upgrade on Victor Lindelof must be signed.
Varane has emerged as the frontrunner to be that man, and with 12 months remaining on his current deal, hopes are high a move can be made.
Carlo Ancelotti was previously reported to be resigned to losing his star centre half. That would double the Italian’s pain after Sergio Ramos recently left for PSG.
However, the transfer saga has crawled along at a slow pace thus far. But per Sky Sports, that is by Man Utd’s design.
Their reporter, Dharmesh Sheth, insisted the Red Devil’s new “cautious” approach to the potential Varane transfer is on purpose.
The reasoning behind their strategy, according to Sheth, stems from previously getting their fingers burned when linked with Ramos in 2015.
Man Utd were given “encouragement” a deal could be made on that occasion. However, Ramos eventually reversed course and signed a new long-term deal at the Bernabeu.
The fear of being used as a pawn to bolster the player’s bargaining power over a new deal with Real Madrid is therefore at the front of their minds this time around.
Will Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane become a Manchester United player this summer?
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 14, 2021
Accordingly, despite being granted permission to speak with Varane, they are declared to not have opened dialogue with Real yet.
Instead, they wish to have an agreement over personal terms with the player in place first. Once agreed, only then will they sit at the negotiating table with Los Blancos.
Man Utd test West Ham’s Lingard resolve
Meanwhile, Manchester United are reported to have slapped a huge new asking price on Jesse Lingard. That is amid reports West Ham have made contact over his potential signing.
The midfielder can see stability in the east end of London, as West Ham prepare for European football next season.
Furthermore, having recaptured his best form, Lingard knows it’s a move that would suit his game. As such, he has held talks with United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over his future.
With all that in mind, the Hammers are reported to have made a fresh enquiry to United over his status.
However, according to The Athletic, United officials have responded by slapping a £30million price tag on Lingard. And that fee appears far higher than West Ham were expecting and appears too steep for Moyes’ side.
READ MORE: Jose Mourinho issues warning over Jadon Sancho’s Man Utd arrival
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