Man Utd are plotting a £40million bid for Raphael Varane in the coming months, according to reports.
The Red Devils are keen to sign a new defensive partner for club captain Harry Maguire.
Their frailties at the back were shown once again in the 4-2 home defeat to Liverpool on Thursday night.
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According to the Mirror, Man Utd officials are hoping to respond to that performance by launching a £40million move for the Real Madrid star.
Their intent to reduce Varane’s £60million asking price has already been revealed, and it looks like they’ve settled on an appropriate bid.
Man Utd are said to be confident about that bid being accepted, given Varane’s situation at the Bernabeu.
His contract expires in June 2022, which means Real must sell this summer or risk losing him for free next year.
Varane seems destined to follow in the footsteps of David Alaba, who became tired after a long spell at Bayern Munich and ran down his contract to search for a fresh challenge.
Alaba has been confirmed as a Real player from this summer, meaning he could take Varane’s place in Spain if the centre-back moves to United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to add a new defender to his ranks and has reportedly made Varane his top target.
He wants to challenge Man City for the Premier League title next term. The Frenchman’s vast experience could prove crucial in taking the Red Devils up a gear.
One person who may get in the way of a transfer is Real boss Zinedine Zidane. He’s a big fan of the player and doesn’t seem keen on allowing him to leave.
When asked about the transfer rumours earlier in the campaign, Zidane said: “He is part of this club, and we were very lucky to be able to bring him to Madrid.
“He has a great career, he’s achieved a lot since he’s been here. Of course, he is non-transferable for the club, for the coach that I am, for people in general.
“That’s clear and unambiguous. Now we can’t stop people from talking. They’re not just talking about Varane, but about all the players, Real Madrid ones and others.
“But for Varane, my position is clear, and it’s the same as the club’s position.”
Zidane could try to scupper a move by asking Real president Florentino Perez to offer Varane a new deal.
It will then be up to the defender to decide if his future lies in Manchester.
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