Man Utd have new priority over Raphael Varane once Jadon Sancho completes transfer

Man Utd: Jadon Sancho in profile

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Manchester United have another priority before they secure the signing of Raphael Varane – extending Bruno Fernandes’ contract. United confirmed on Thursday that they had agreed a deal in principle to make Jadon Sancho their first signing of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils could pay up to £78million for the 21-year-old winger and have agreed a five-year contract worth a reported £250,000 a week.

Sancho’s move to Old Trafford, which has been over 12 months in the making, will officially go through after Euro 2020 when the England international is able to undergo a medical.

It had been thought that after securing a deal for Sancho, United would move quickly to try and broker an agreement for Real Madrid defender Varane.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to acquire a new centre-half partner for captain Harry Maguire and Varane is atop his shopping list.

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The France international is said however to want three weeks of holiday post-Euros to help mull over his future and is likely to sit down with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti before making a decision.

And while Villarreal’s Pau Torres is an alternative target to Varane for United, it appears they will use the time to focus on other matters, namely Fernandes’ future.

That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Manchester United next priority will be Bruno Fernandes contract.

“After adding another top salary with Jadon Sancho, Man Utd board know they’ve to progress in discussions [already opened] with Bruno about a new agreement #MUFC.

“Updates expected this month.”

Fernandes only joined United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for an initial £47m but the Red Devils are eager to reward his remarkable form for the club since then with a new deal.

The Portugal playmaker has produced 40 goals and 25 assists in 80 appearances for United and has taken on a leading role, even skippering the side in Maguire’s absence on several occasions.

Fernandes, 26, is under contract until June 2025 but will pen an extension which will presumably increase his wages considerably.

It has previously been suggested the Portuguese could be handed a £200,000-a-week salary in any new contract, with bonuses likely to bolster that.

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Once Fernandes’ new agreement is signed, United will likely turn their focus back to the addition of a new centre-back with Varane and Torres their main options.

Real Madrid are currently expected to sell Varane with the Frenchman said to be minded to try a new challenge after a decade at the Bernabeu.

The 28-year-old is out of contract in 12 months’ time and Los Blancos will not want to lose the player for free. He could still fetch a fee in excess of £50m despite his contract scenario.

Elsewhere, Solskjaer would like to strengthen in central midfield and at right-back, with Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier seen as the main options in those positions.

United had looked at signing a striker, namely one of Harry Kane or Erling Haaland, before it became clear that a deal to sign Sancho would finally be possible this summer.

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