A fresh report from Spanish newspaper AS has put the ball in Manchester United’s court for Raphael Varane.
Real and Varane want his future sorted out as quickly as possible.
Varane is reportedly expected back for pre-season on Wednesday although this date could be pushed back, allowing United to do a deal beforehand so he can head straight to Carrington.
AS‘ report says Real are willing to sell Varane for 60 million Euros (£51.8m) this week.
United to date have not proposed a fee either directly or through intermediaries of above 50 million Euros (£43.6 million).
So at present the two clubs are apart on figures and United have to decide whether to simply pay up, or try and negotiate Real down.
Close but not close enough
One consideration is to try and keep Varane happy, by showing him how important he is and closing the deal.
United and Real have not always had the best relations in the transfer market and this is a rare opportunity to sign one of their superstars.
Expect United to drag this out and make it as complicated as possible. Rarely do the Red Devils do the simple thing under Ed Woodward.
But it certainly seems like Varane could be on his way, and there is no excuse for messing this one up.
Even if the £52 million figure is more than United would rather pay for a player with one year left on his deal, the quality of the player should override those concerns.
Raphael Varane: Factfile
- Teenage star
Real Madrid signed Raphael Varane from Lens in 2011 for around £8 million, beating competition from Manchester United and Arsenal.
- Real Madrid ace
Varane has gone onto play more than 300 games for Real Madrid over the past decade. He has played a part in three La Liga title wins.
- Four-time Champions League winner
Varane won his first Champions trophy at Real Madrid in 2014, playing the entire game in a win over Atletico. He won the trophy again in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- World Cup winner
Varane helped France to win the World Cup in 2018. He scored a crucial goal in a quarter-final win over Uruguay.
- Consistent performer
Varane became a player Real could rely on. He played more than 30 La Liga games in each of the last three La Liga seasons.
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