Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Raphael on a four-year contract, it has been reported. The 28-year-old’s move to the club is subject to the completion of a medical but it is hoped that one could take place as early as this week.
Varane will join Tom Heaton and Jadon Sancho to become the club’s third signing of the summer after being sounded out by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as one of his transfer targets.
Some could argue that United should be happy to settle for their summer’s work so far but according to journalist and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the club is not done in the transfer market just yet.
“I think it’s not the end,” Romano told The United Stand when pressed on if the Old Trafford club were done in the market after securing a deal for Raphael Varane.
“I will never say that it’s the end in July. The transfer market is about opportunities and I can’t predict opportunities. That’s why the transfer market is beautiful. We have to wait and see what happens.
“Now, I think it’s time for Manchester United to think about the outgoings. They need to decide about Diogo Dalot, Phil Jones and Nemanja Matic. Let’s see what happens with Pogba.
“Then they have to think about a potential right-back if Dalot leaves and also a midfielder if some of the players leave. I would say midfielder and a right-back is something that could happen for Manchester United.”
Furthermore, Romano provided an update on AC Milan’s pursuit of Dalot. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at the San Siro and has attracted renewed interest.
Read more: Raphael Varane to Man Utd transfer fee and contract details
Release – Phil Jones.
Loan – Brandon Williams.
Sell – Jessie Lingard, Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba
Sell / Loan – Axel Tuanzebe OR Eric Bailly, Andreas Pereira, David De Gea,
Diogo Dalot is not on this list, but if he is sold or loaned, then Brandon Williams will need to be retained as cover for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Daniel James is not on the list either, and is needed as cover for Marcus Rashford.
United then need to address the defensive midfield position. Pogba, Martial and Lingard could bring in close to £100, million. That money needs to be used to buy a defensive midfielder.