Man Utd acceleration has desired effect as Raphael Varane deal gets closer than ever
Manchester United are nearing a breakthrough in their pursuit of Raphael Varane after talks with Real Madrid “sped up”, according to a report.
Varane is United’s new priority objective after they wrapped up the signing of main target Jadon Sancho. With their wide areas sufficiently strengthened, they have now turned their focus to the rear-guard. Their top defensive target is Varane, who has been on their radar for years. Now, they have a genuine chance of getting their man.
With his contract in Madrid entering its final year, Varane’s situation points to a transfer. He originally wanted to stay at the club following Sergio Ramos’ exit, but has not been happy with their offer of a new deal. Therefore, he has re-assessed his options and is now keen to join United.
The obstacle will be one for the two clubs to resolve: Varane’s transfer fee. United are keen not to pay over the odds for a player in the final year of his contract. Real, though, do not want to lose another key element of their defence on the cheap after seeing Ramos seal a free transfer to PSG.
There had thus been fears that United and Madrid would fail to find an agreement. But now, there is fresh optimism from a Red Devils perspective.
According to Goal, negotiations between the two clubs have “sped up” in the last few hours. In fact, United are “closing in on an agreement” to make the signing.
Madrid appear to have held out for the higher fee they wanted. Indeed, Goal predict a deal to be done between €45m and €55m.
Talks will spill over into next week, but they seem to be moving in the right direction. The two clubs are said to have a “very good” relationship, despite previous reports indicating otherwise. Therefore, they are seemingly willing to find a middle ground.
Varane still respects Real and will not force his way out, but is keen to leave if the opportunity arises. It appears it is about to do so.
If he moves to Manchester, Varane will be deployed alongside Harry Maguire as one of United’s first-choice centre-backs. A World Cup winner with France in 2018 and three times a La Liga titlist with Real, he would bring plenty of experience to the Old Trafford backline.
Still only 28, United believe he is still worth investing in and they may be getting closer to a breakthrough.
Man Utd prepare Haaland offer
If they can get a deal over the line for Varane, United could then turn their attention to another blockbuster signing: Erling Haaland.
Haaland used to play for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde and both have since gone on to bigger and better things. Solskjaer signed a contract extension as Man Utd manager recently, while Haaland looks likely to be one of the best players in the world for years to come.
His scoring record since joining Borussia Dortmund from RB Salzburg has been spectacular. Thus, many European giants want to sign him for a premium price this summer, despite him being available for a cheaper release clause next year.
Man Utd are among his suitors and a recent report revealed how they are planning to tempt Dortmund into selling…
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