The Premier League giants reportedly failed with a world record bid for the defender during the summer, but Jose Mourinho could go back with another offer in the coming windows.
Manchester United’s search for a high profile central defender has been no secret, with Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward been chasing every possible target, only to attain failure in the end. Don Balon is now suggesting that Manchester United failed with a massive €112 million bid for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane in the summer, although they could be back in for the Frenchman in the next windows.
It was during Mourinho’s time as Real Madrid manager that the Spanish club signed Raphael Varane at a young age. Since leaving his post at Real Madrid a few years ago, and after his second stint with Chelsea, Jose Mourinho became the manager of Manchester United.
The Portuguese has still not lost interest in the French centre-back, hoping that he could sign him at one point. The problem is that Madrid considers him untouchable and feel he could be the core of their defence well into the next decade.
Jose Mourinho’s interest in Varane never faded, and he now seemingly has the funds available to make an irresistible offer for the central defender if need be. But there are decidedly fewer chances that Real Madrid might sell and the rejection of a €112 million proposal clearly states that.
Varane has taken his time to become an integral part of Madrid’s defence, with many others in previous seasons occupied his place, for instance, Pepe. But since the veteran Portuguese star’s departure, the Frenchman has made the central defensive position besides Sergio Ramos his own, and the Real Madrid President acknowledges the player is currently untouchable.
Manchester United were desperate to sign a high profile central defender. The Old Trafford side were linked with many players including Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin, who rejected a move. United were close to signing Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld, although failed to convince the player to join them in the end. Varane was also one of the possible targets, but it was clear that Madrid would not sell at any cost.
Florentino Perez, however, feels, that despite the club’s stance over the player, there is every chance that Manchester United might come in the future with another substantial offer, possibly in the January window itself to destabilise Varane. Another problem is that Varane has seemingly won almost everything during his time at the club including multiple Champions League trophies, La Liga and the World Cup with France this summer.
Manchester United could offer him a new challenge, fears Perez, and this could be the turning point where the player might want to leave the European Champions for the Premier League. But there is an understanding that the Frenchman would be staying put until at least the summer, as Madrid would be too reluctant to sell an essential player in the middle of the season.
As for Manchester United, a €112 million bid was definitely a World Record sum for a defender, but if they are desperate enough for the 25-year-old Varane, then they need to up their offer. Real Madrid, on the other hand, would be demanding way more than that figure for a player they consider integral to their plans for the future.
