Chelsea ‘tried to hijack Man Utd deal for Raphael Varane’ as new info comes to light
Chelsea: The first six fixtures of the 2021/22 Premier League
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Chelsea reportedly tried to hijack Manchester United’s deal for Raphael Varane. The France international has admirers at both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge amid uncertainty over his Bernabeu future. However, he’s now looking more likely to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side instead.
Chelsea are keen to boost their ranks this summer, despite winning the Champions League last term.
And, earlier in the window, they were being heavily linked with a move to sign Varane from Real Madrid.
Since then, however, all signs have suggested Manchester United are now in pole position to snap up the France international – who has just a year left on his Los Blancos deal.
Yet Eurosport’s Dean Jones, speaking on The Football Terrace podcast, has claimed Chelsea did indeed try to sign Varane – but now face missing out.
“I was told that Chelsea had tried to get involved in this as well,” Jones said.
“And that’s interesting that Varane, if he’s been given those two options, would have chosen United ahead of Chelsea.
THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz
“We’ll find out in due course whether that’s true or not but, I think the idea of Varane joining United for under £50million is just an unbelievable deal.”
Jones also revealed United still had some concerns about a deal for Varane, but that they could still see the ‘finish line’ when it came to snapping him up.
“Manchester United can see the finish line on this deal,” he said.
“And that’s the place they’ve dreamed of being in recent weeks.
“They honestly were never sure it would go this far. And I spoke to someone over the weekend and I could really tell that the optimism, and the hope, were really there.
“This week was always going to be a big week because it’s a telling time for Madrid to get involved in this.
DON’T MISS
Man Utd set Kane price by Tottenham chief Levy ‘convinced’
Barcelona’s strong XI with Ronaldo and two other signings
Arsenal’s amazing squad if Edu seals six more deals
“And United, obviously, know the player is keen at this point. They finally believe the player was serious about coming to United.
“And now Real Madrid have been informed that is the case. Obviously, now, it’s all about a fee.
“United do not want to go over £50m so I’m a bit sceptical about this being done in the next few hours because that’s a lot of negotiating to be done.
“But things are definitely heading in the right direction and Varane does expect to become a United player. And that’s a big indication of how far the deal has gone at this point.
“Obviously, United are concerned this won’t happen. They’re not done yet. This is not a done deal.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.
“But it’s close. It’s getting close.”
Chelsea, at present, are putting all their eggs into the Erling Haaland basket.
The Norway international is their top transfer target, having scored 40 goals across all competitions last term.
And Jones thinks Chelsea may be able to convince Borussia Dortmund into negotiating if they propose using Timo Werner in a swap deal.
“I think Chelsea are trying to figure out how else they can get round it [the fee] before they do make an offer of £150million upwards,” he said.
“Because ideally you would look to avoid that.
“Being honest, there aren’t too many players I think would tempt Dortmund into doing it. I actually think the only one that fits in is Timo Werner.
“If you were to offer £100m and Timo Werner, then maybe there’s a conversation to be had there.
“It’s been mooted before and it was knocked back. I was told in March that Werner really didn’t want to give up on this, he didn’t want to be included in any kind of transaction like that.
“Who knows, maybe that’s changed? Maybe Werner would become more open to being included.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if something like that was put forward to make that offer. It was an easy way round it and it would solve a couple of issues.”
Source: Read Full Article