Real Madrid want to sign world-class United star in January, €20m could be enough – report
Real Madrid are exploring a January deal for Manchester United defender Raphael Varane following a serious knee injury to David Alaba, according to Sport (page 20).
The European champions are currently in an injury crisis with both Alaba and Eder Militao out with long-term injuries. Antonio Rudiger and Nacho are the only fit senior central defenders.
Aurelien Tchouameni can play as the makeshift centre-back when required, but Sport claim that Los Blancos could look to re-sign Varane from United at the start of next year.
The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has been a regular on the bench in recent months. It is reported that United could sell him for around €20 million.
United unlikely to part ways with Varane this winter
Varane was completely out-of-favour under manager Erik ten Hag for several weeks, but his situation has recently changed with the injuries to Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire.
He started the 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and followed it up with a man of the match showing against Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League.
The World Cup winner was world-class with 15 clearances and 100 per cent of his aerial duels won. He fared brilliantly from the left centre-back position for the Red Devils.
In our view, United are unlikely to sanction his sale in January with the turnaround and injury list. They could keep him until the summer before making a decision regarding his future.
Varane’s present deal expires in June next year but United have the option to keep him for another 12 months. The club should trigger the extension clause before the New Year.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
