Just days subsequent to the end of the incredible ordeal that saw Manchester United finally reach an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho after two years of strong interest and negotiations, a Raphael Varane transfer saga looks set to develop. While the Red Devils are yet to make an official offer for the Frenchman, they are currently in talks with Real Madrid over his future, according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano.
Official Raphael Varane Transfer Offer Yet to Be Tabled by Manchester United
Manchester United Searching for a Central Defender
Manchester United are known to be searching for a central defensive partner for Harry Maguire this summer, with many names having been discussed.
Their interest seems to be primarily focused on Varane, but others such as Pau Torres and Jules Kounde are also reportedly under consideration. Each has a skillset ideal to compliment that of Maguire, who has been exemplary for club and country since his record £80 million move to Old Trafford in 2019.
Over the last two seasons, the Englishman has mainly been deployed alongside Victor Lindelof in a back four, and while Lindelof is a quality defender in his own right, his partnership with Maguire has proven prone to the occasional error. Hence, mobility is one of the key areas in which United’s potential summer centre-back signing must excel, with the ability for the proposed new addition to cover for Maguire’s lack of pace a prerequisite.
Timeframe of the Deal
Potentially down to their restructure earlier this year that saw John Murtough appointed director of football, the Red Devils seem to be acting uncharacteristically efficiently in the transfer market this summer. Tom Heaton’s free move to become a backup goalkeeper at the Theatre of Dreams has already been completed, while Jadon Sancho will undergo his United medical after England’s Euro 2020 campaign concludes. United have also managed to extend a number of contracts, while others are reportedly being negotiated.
That said, it appears that the Raphael Varane transfer deal could take some time, with Romano having reported that the move will not be concluded quickly. While Paris Saint-Germain will likely have cooled their interest after agreeing to sign Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid remain keen to extend the French centre-back’s contract, which in its current state expires next summer.
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