With it now established that Manchester United want a centre-back this summer, it’s inevitable that Raphael Varane’s name will be in the mix.
The French centre back will be in the final year of his deal at Real Madrid this summer, and so far, the two parties have not been able to reach an agreement over an extension.
That’s sparked rumours about a move away from the Bernabeu this summer, with it made clear that Real Madrid, having once stated Varane was unsellable, have changed their stance and would be open to selling him if he doesn’t sign a new deal.
Goal Spain’s Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana backs that up today and states that both the player and Madrid see this summer as ‘key’, adding that there will either be a ‘renewal or exit.’
The latter would be a major boost for Manchester United, of course, who would be in a strong position to get a man they’ve long wanted if Madrid are willing to sell.
Furthermore, they may be able to negotiate a far more attractive deal given his contract would be expiring in a year.
On that front, Cortegana insists Manchester United remain interested in Varane after they ‘tested their signing’ in 2019.
He says that they are ‘still interested’ in the Frenchman after that and have been in contact with his agent since, although there is ‘nothing serious’ at this moment in time.
That could change in the coming weeks and months, though, with it clear that if Varane can’t agree on a new deal, he will be sold, opening the door for suitors like United to make their move.
