Raphael Varane: Man Utd inch one step closer to sign Real Madrid defender in massive move

Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are aiming to bring a high profile centre-back to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have been keeping an eye on some of the world’s best defenders in order to lure them to England. The likes of Raphael Varane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Milan Skriniar have been linked with the English outfit over the last year.

Their one of the targets, Raphael Varane, is reportedly looking to leave Real Madrid in the summer after an eight-year stint with the club. The Los Blancos are wanting him to stay at the club, but the world cup winner is in search of a new challenge.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has said that Varane has asked the club to leave, but Zidane is reluctant to let him leave at this point of a rebuilding stage.

“Rafael Varane has got a contract with Real Madrid until 2022, buyout clause is £500million, so whatever happens in the future is in the hands of Real Madrid,” the transfer expert said on his official YouTube channel.

“I confirm that he wants to leave Real Madrid, but they don’t want to let him go as they realize to get a centre-back of his quality basically may cost €60-€70million. So they don’t want to spend that when actually they have a player in the squad that is valued at that kind of price and Zinedine Zidane likes him to stay.”

“Now they are going to offer him £9million net in wages, he currently earns £5million, that’s almost double. It puts it as one of the biggest wages at the club and they hope to convince him.”

Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Varane and the Red Devils will be looking for an opportunity to lure him away to Old Trafford by tempting him with a huge offer.

“Despite the fact that clubs around Europe are interested in him, and yes, Manchester United inquired about him a year ago, now they may have the opportunity to try that again through the agent, they received a message that he wants to leave, but Real Madrid don’t want to let him go.” says Balague.

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Manchester United will take on FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals at Old Trafford on Wednesday.