Raphael Varane remains keen on signing for Manchester United this summer and reportedly hopes to make the move within two weeks.
United have had a long-standing interest in Varane and this summer seems to be the one in which they will make their move. The centre-back has been identified as an ideal partner for Harry Maguire to guarantee a leap in quality in defence. He would bring plenty of experience and quality to that department.
There have been plenty of positive claims about United’s pursuit of the France international. For example, it has been stated that he wants to join the club and that Real Madrid is already looking for replacements.
However, things took a twist when it emerged that Real president Florentino Perez wants to thwart United by raising Varane’s asking price higher than expected.
Only one year remains on his contract at the Bernabeu, so United will not want to pay over the odds. However, fresh optimism has now emerged over their chances of signing him.
According to ABC, Varane has reached a “pre-agreement” over personal terms. United are willing to offer him €12m per season for a five-year contract.
Madrid, meanwhile, is only willing to give him a four-year contract, worth €7m per season. Varane is not happy with that, as they will be paying recruit David Alaba the €12m salary that he wants to match.
Hence, a move to Man Utd seems to be his preferred solution. He is now just waiting for the two clubs to find a middle-ground over his valuation.
Los Blancos are still holding out for somewhere between €55m and €60m, whereas United’s latest offer went up to €45m.
If no agreement can be found, Varane may perform a U-turn by accepting Madrid’s contract offer. However, he wants the situation to be sorted out within the next two weeks