Man Utd and Chelsea left in transfer suspense as Raphael Varane sets deadline for decision

Real Madrid: Varane coy when quizzed on future

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Despite hoards of speculation surrounding where his future lies, Raphael Varane has pledged to recover physically and mentally from Euro 2020 before making up his mind. The Frenchman has just begun a three-week holiday after being dumped out of the Euros by Switzerland, reducing the likelihood of a deal being struck over the next few days.

After a season which saw Varane rack up almost 50 appearances for club and country, a short break is well-earned before preparations for next campaign get under way.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old wants a sit-down chat with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti before deciding whether to call time on his stint at the Bernabeu, according to L’Equipe.

This news will come as a blow for PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea who have all shown recent interest in the player.

Either way, Madrid will push Varane to make a decision on his future at some point this summer, given he has just one year remaining on his contract.

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It is thought that a fee of around £50million could tempt them into a sale in the coming weeks, whereas they would face the prospect of losing him for free if he chose to run down his contract instead. 

For the interested parties, £50m represents a significant investment for a player in their late-twenties, but a defender of his pedigree could mean the difference between winning a title and not.

That seems more applicable to United than most, given the widely-held belief that an improved centre-back partner is required for Harry Maguire.

The Red Devils have also shown the most concrete interest in him this transfer window, as well as following the progress of the player since his teenage years.

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The only stumbling block for United would be if their £72.6m spend on Jadon Sancho has diminished funds to the point where it takes a move for Varane off the table.

Elsewhere, Chelsea are thought to be interested in the Frenchman, although they are currently assuming the role of awkward third party in the deal behind PSG.

The Ligue 1 runners-up are reportedly a desirable destination for Varane, who would naturally be keen to return to his homeland.

However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are supposedly on the verge of signing Varane’s former Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos, which would surely eliminate them from a potential deal.

Although the player is currently taking time to consider his options, it all comes down to what Varane wants from the rest of his career.

If he signs a new contract at the Bernabeu, he could go on to become a club legend and fight for the captaincy.

However, if he feels like he still has something to prove in the game, he may well be tempted by pastures new.

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