Just as the international break was kicking off, L’Equipe published a big article on the future of Raphael Varane.
That the story came from the French newspaper gives a very good idea of where the information originated, and it was claimed that the defender is tempted by a transfer.
Manchester United were named as an interested club, and that’s also been the case in Spanish follow-ups of the situation.
Marca and others are certainly knowledgeable enough to have worked out the likely source of the story and it’s therefore being taken relatively seriously.
In their Wednesday edition, the Spanish newspaper say that if Varane ‘confirms he’s looking for a departure’ then he’ll become the most expensive defender in history.
There doesn’t seem to be a lot of panic, and he’s not yet being accused by Marca of fishing for a pay rise. Manchester United are one of the clubs to have the Frenchman ‘in the spotlight’, with Bayern Munich and PSG also getting a mention.
As far as Marca are concerned, it’s all down to the player. If he’s ‘willing to force his departure’ then it’s going to be a record, and Real Madrid could then spend the money elsewhere.
It’s interesting that the reaction of the media closest to Madrid isn’t to completely rule out the exit.
El Confidencial also cover the story, and they reference Manchester United as well, although they credit that interest to Jose Mourinho.
Explaining that Varane’s temptation to leave is likely for both personal and financial reasons, it’s pointed out the defender currently earns €6m a year (after tax)… half of what Sergio Ramos is on.
