Real Madrid ‘increasingly resigned to losing Man United target Raphael Varane’ with funds to be raised for a move for Kylian Mbappe next summer… and Red Devils ‘could sign centre back for around £40m to £45m’
- Manchester United have been long-term admirers of defender Raphael Varane
- They are in for him once again this summer, and could get their man now
- Chelsea and Man City hold informal interest in the French centre back
- Varane has made it clear that he sees his future away from the Bernabeu
- Real Madrid would use any funds from his sale on a move for Kylian Mbappe
Manchester United have been given a huge boost in their pursuit of Raphael Varane with Real Madrid increasingly resigned to losing the Frenchman this summer, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of the Madrid centre back – whose contract expires at the Bernabeu next summer – as they seek a reliable partner for Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
And according to The Athletic, the Spanish giants are under a clear impression that Varane wants a new challenge after he rejected an offer of a two-year extension to his contract, with his representatives informing Madrid’s hierarchy of his wishes.
Manchester United have held a long-term interest in French centre back Raphael Varane
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is seeking a centre back to partner Harry Maguire
And Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly told new boss Carlo Ancelotti that Varane could be sold if a tempting offer comes in for him this window, which could set the wheels in motion for the Spaniards on the transfer front.
While Madrid aren’t expected to make any significant transfer moves themselves this summer, their priority remains to bring in France and PSG forward Kylian Mbappe ahead of the 2022-23 season.
In order to get their man, who continues to stall over a new deal at PSG ahead of the expiration of his contract next summer, Madrid are therefore keen to raise the required funds by selling first-team stars and slashing their wage bill.
The LaLiga giants will try to ramp Varane’s price up but the news of his desire to leave will put United on red alert.
Both Manchester City and Chelsea also hold an informal interest in 28-year-old Varane, but United are current frontrunners for his signature and sources in Madrid believe an agreement could be reached for between £40million and £45m.
Madrid could use the funds from Varane’s potential departure to sign Kylian Mbappe
Varane has also attracted interest from PSG, who have recently inquired about his services.
Varane has enjoyed huge success at the Bernabeu since joining from Lens in 2011, winning four Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles.
The report goes onto claim that Ancelotti would like Varane to stay but fully understands their financial predicament at present.
The club are willing to listen to offers for the likes of Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, Isco, Martin Odegaard and Luka Jovic.
However, Ancelotti – who has returned to Madrid for a second spell from Everton – wants to keep both Hazard and Bale as he believes he can rediscover their best form.
Varane has won four Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles with the Spanish giants
