Raphael Varane has not yet signed a contract extension at Real Madrid, which has put leading European clubs on high alert for the world-class defender, who has just seen France crash out of the Euro 2020.
With one year left on his contract, it’s time for interested clubs like Manchester United to act.
I’m sure Real Madrid have already offered Varane savage money to stay, but Fabrizio Romano tells claims the Frenchman wants a new challenge. He has won everything in his 10-year stay at Los Bloncos, including the World Cup in 2018.
It is no secret that United are in the market for a central defender, with Jadon Sancho currently being their priority to bolster the right side of attack and to bring more goals to the team.
“For sure, Raphael Varane is one of the players they [Manchester United] like,” Romano told the Strettycast. “It could be an opportunity but that depends on what Real Madrid want to do because at the moment they hope to convince Varane to stay, but the player wants to try something different. He’s won everything with Real Madrid, he won the World Cup with France and now he wants a new challenge. I think the Premier League will be one of the opportunities with PSG too.
“He wants something new but let’s see what happens after the Euros when he will be back to talk with Real Madrid. Manchester United will be one of the opportunities.”
Asked precisely about United’s defensive alternative options, Romano added: “Pau Torres for sure is on the list. He is appreciated and they have been scouting him for a long time. He has a release clause worth €65m – still valid — and not €50m like someone reported in Spain. Let’s see what happens with Varane before other names. Jules Kounde is another who was scouted by United. Tottenham are also interested in Kounde.
“From the other names, I would say Torres, Kounde and keep an eye on Cristian Romero from Atalanta. He’s a really great player and had a fantastic season in Serie A. Manchester United are scouting him but I have nothing confirmed about an official move or bid.
“Varane is priority and they have other options like Pau Torres.”
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