Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Raphael Varane after his club opened contract talks with the defender, according to reports. The 28-year-old is a longstanding target but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suffered a setback in his quest to reinforce United’s backline.
Varane has one year remaining on his contract and has looked unlikely to agree on new terms with Real Madrid but after confirming the exit of captain Sergio Ramos, the Madrid club has now entered talks with their star defender.
That’s according to The Times, who say that Ramos’ exit has sparked an effort from the club to keep Varane.
The publication claims that Real Madrid were open to offers for the 28-year-old earlier this summer but are now making an attempt in the 11th hour to renew his contract.
Carlo Ancelotti, who returned to the club earlier this month, is said to be a driving factor behind the decision, despite welcoming former Bayern Munich defender David Alaba to the club.
It was revealed on Thursday morning that Manchester United had an opening bid of £50m for Varane rejected, with Real Madrid’s valuation of the player claimed to be closer to £80m.
Read more: From Italy: Manchester United ‘ready’ to spend big on €45m defender
