After finally wrapping up a deal to sign Jadon Sancho, Manchester United’s pursuit of Raphael Varane is seemingly edging towards a conclusion according to a number of reports.
United have forked out £73 million to land the England international, though that is £35m less than Borussia Dortmund were asking for last year as the Red Devils look to finally resolve their long-standing issue on the right of their attack.
With that deal finally complete, full attentions have turned to strengthening the defence as the club look to add a proven defensive partner for Harry Maguire to their ranks – the current options of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe having failed to impress on a consistent basis.
Real Madrid’s Varane is believed to be the club’s first choice to fill the role, while Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde having been named as alternatives.
United have already been given permission to speak to the World Cup winning defender who has just one year remaining on his deal at the Bernabeu and is thought to be keen on a new challenge.
The Spanish side are looking to recoup as much as they can for a player who has won four Champions Leagues during his time at the club, though are understandably keen not to see him leave on a free next summer.
According to several sources, the two clubs are now edging towards an agreement, with Goal saying it is expected to be worth between £39m and £47m.
Spanish outlet, Marca, back up the claims by saying that the deal will come in close to the €50m (£42m) that the Madrid outfit have been asking for, while reliable French journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi has suggested that a deal could be done within the next week.
While Varane has already agreed personal terms with United and is keen to try his hand in the Premier League, it is thought that he has been unwilling to agitate for a move away from the club that has been his home for a decade.
With a deal now looking like edging towards a conclusion, United will likely turn their attentions to trying to secure a deal for Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid. They are also thought to be interested in a central midfielder, especially given that the future of Paul Pogba is increasingly uncertain – the France international interesting PSG.
United kick off their Premier League campaign on August 14th against Leeds United, while the transfer window remains open until the end of the month.
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