Raphael Varane looks to be Manchester United’s top central defensive target this summer.
Paul Pogba is entering the final year of his contract and has admitted playing for Real Madrid would be a dream.
It makes sense that a swap deal would be mooted at some point, and Spanish outlet Deportes Cuatro have now broached that subject.
They claim that from Madrid’s perspective – it would be an absolute no-go. But why?
Why Madrid won’t swap Varane for Pogba
There appear to be two main reasons. The first is that Madrid feel they are well-stocked in central midfield.
They have Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric. That trio aren’t getting any younger but the next generation of central midfielders is led by Federico Valverde.
The second is that their main priority is getting cash in. That’s because they want to sign Kylian Mbappe.
That’s why they were unable to agree a new deal for Sergio Ramos and that’s why they’ve been trying to cut costs.
Would the deal have suited United?
That depends on Pogba. The Athletic claim he is open to signing a new deal to commit the next few years of his future to United.
But if he isn’t going to extend, the simple fact is that United won’t get a huge transfer fee in for him if they do agree a simple sale.
With the swap, they could have got in a player they clearly want in a position they clearly need.
But it’s seemingly a non-starter, so if Varane is to be wearing red next season, United will have to buy him outright.
The report suggests United won’t go above 40 million euros (£32.9 million) for the defender and time will tell whether that’s enough to land him.
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