Manchester United have received a major boost in pursuit of Raphael Varane, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hinting that he is open to a sale.
As quoted by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hinted that he is open to the prospect of parting ways with Raphael Varane in the summer transfer window. The French defender is being courted by Manchester United.
Varane has transformed into one of the best defenders in the game since joining Real Madrid from Lens in the summer of 2011. Nearing a decade with Los Blancos, the 27-year-old has amassed 356 appearances for the club, chipping in with 17 goals and 7 assists as well along the way.
However, his future at Real Madrid is up in the air, with widespread reports suggesting that Varane is perhaps, looking for greener pastures. With his current deal running out in a little over a year, it has been suggested that the Merengues could cash in on the French international rather than risk him leaving for free. The situation, meanwhile, has piqued the interest of Manchester United.
Manchester United’s need to sign a centre-back is understandable, considering Victor Lindelof has struggled with a persistent back issue over the course of the season. Eric Bailly’s fitness woes are well documented, while it has also been reported that the Ivorian could be on his way out of Old Trafford this coming summer.
With Axel Tuanzebe also facing his fair share of injuries, it is imperative that Manchester United sign a top class centre-back to pair up with captain Harry Maguire. To that end, the Red Devils have been reported to be holding an interest in a number of central defenders, with Varane being their priority.
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In fact, there have been suggestions that Manchester United are already in advanced talks to swoop the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner away from Real Madrid. And, it seems like the Premier League heavyweights could have been handed a boost in pursuit of Varane, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hinting that the club could be open to selling their star defender.
Speaking on El Larguero (h/t Fabrizio Romano), Perez said, “Varane? I’m happy of our team… if players don’t want to stay at Madrid they can leave.” With Real Madrid still far away from reaching an agreement over a new contract, Manchester United could be in a strong position to land him.
The defending La Liga champions, on their part, seem to be keeping their options open, with Jules Kounde one of their options to replace Varane. For now, though, it looks like Manchester United might be getting closer to landing the Real Madrid defender this summer.
