Manchester United are “very, very close” to completing the transfer of Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, with the club aiming to complete the deal as soon as possible.
The Red Devils confirmed the signing of Jadon Sancho on £ 72.9m on Friday and their ambitions in the summer transfer window do not end there. They have asked about the availability of Merengues defender Varane and have made significant progress on a deal.
Man Utd enters a deal for Varane / Denis Doyle / Getty Images
While speaking on The Football Terrace podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke stated that the deal is “very, very close” to completion, and after Varane stated that he is “up for this move”, the only thing missing is for Man Utd and Madrid to agree on a fee.
“It is very, very close, an exciting opportunity for Manchester United fans that this deal is actually happening,” he said.
“Because probably at the beginning of the summer, I do not think anyone had much hope that they would sign someone like Raphael Varane.
“They have received indications that Varane is ready to move to Old Trafford, he is ready to leave Real Madrid after a long time with the Spanish giants.
“And it all comes down to the fact that they now agree on a fee with Real Madrid. And when the player is keen to leave, United are ready to meet their personal terms, Real Madrid are ready to sell him now.
“They can not let a player like Varane terminate their contact and possibly leave a free transfer next summer or sign a pre-contract in January.”
Varane has met United before in the Champions League / Jasper Juinen / Getty Images
Man Utd have made a written offer for Varane, but their original bid was rejected by Madrid. They will be sure to land their goal this summer, but his contract will expire at the end of the season.
Los Blancos know they could lose their € 50m defender for free next summer if they can not reach an agreement on a new contract. The club’s uncertain financial position also means that they are evaluating whether they can even afford to give Varane a new deal and can wait for Man Utd to make a higher offer in the next few days.
Varane continues his preparations for the new season among these rumors, after returning to Madrid for his tests before the season.
