The hunt for a centre-back partner for Harry Maguire at Old Trafford has intensified, with United still pressing for the signature of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. The Manchester Evening News have recently reported that United have submitted their first bid at €50 million but the Madrid giants are holding out for €80 million with the player’s contract running out in 2022.

United are clinging on to their hopes of clearing this deal mainly because of the player’s contract situation, with only one year remaining on his present contract and United believe Real Madrid might be willing to compromise a bit on the asking price for Raphael Varane given the latter’s difficult financial situation.

The Frenchman is one of the world’s best in his position, possessing unique qualities. Apart from his defensive skills, he is known for his pace. In his decade long spell at Real Madrid, he won everything available in club football including four Champions leagues.

He was part of a team that will be remembered for generations to come and his contribution will not be overlooked. The centre-back’s explosive talent was the reason for Manchester United’s previous interest in him during his spell at Lens in 2011.

Manchester United have had a £50 million bid for Raphael Varane REJECTED by Real Madrid, reports the Manchester Evening News 👀 pic.twitter.com/v9yaQvo2tl

— GOAL (@goal) June 18, 2021

According to the report by MEN, Real Madrid are prepared to offload Varane given that they already have got David Alaba from Bayern Munich on a free transfer. Also, the emergence of Eder Militao means that they have enough defensive fire power for the next season.

The report also revealed Ed Woodward’s decision in 2018 to move ahead with the transfer and that he had allocated €100 million for the player, but he was valued at much higher by Real Madrid at that point which eventually lead to the deal breaking down.

The World Cup winner has reportedly rejected a contract extension at Real Madrid because of the discrepancy between his expectations and the actual offer. This has put several other clubs on the edge, who are also closely monitoring ongoing developments at the Spanish capital.

The report also talks about interest from Paris Saint Germain who have the advantage in terms of finances and also have the French connection. Though inconsistent and conflicting, there were other reports in the Spanish media stating that the player is about sign a contract extension at the club breaking the hearts of United’s fans. But nothing concrete has come up on that front so its all up for grabs for now.

With ubiquitous examples all around about what a marquee centre-back adds to a teams prospects of winning the league with the likes of Ruben Dias, Virgil Van Dijk and John Stone all examples from previous season, United will be keen to get Varane to Old Trafford. Getting someone who is among the best in the world will also help the Red Devils make a statement that their impressive resurgence of last season has some true potency.

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When it comes to the transfer fee, I think Real Madrid have to give up on their firm stance as they face an eventuality of letting him go for free next summer. They’re trying their best to get the most out of the transfer but at the end they will have to be the ones to concede if player does not agree to a heart breaking contract extension with his present club.

Meanwhile, United are on the verge of getting another transfer done assuming that the player agrees on the personal terms. Wages will not be a problem at United, and it might come down to the project at hand and whether the challenge is enticing enough for the player.

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