Man Utd’s move for Raphael Varane takes a hit as Real Madrid name price

Manchester United fans protest outside Old Trafford

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Manchester United have been told that transfer target Raphael Varane will cost £20million more than they are prepared to bid, according to reports. The Red Devils want to offer £40m for the Real Madrid defender ahead of an expensive summer haul.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a centre-back partner for Harry Maguire high on his list of priorities ahead of next season.

Victor Lindelof has at times been unconvincing next to the England defender this term. Solskjaer also has Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones among his options, but none have cemented a place in the Man Utd line-up.

Jones looks set to depart this year having made a Premier League appearance since a 2-0 defeat against Burnley in January 2020.

Maguire’s recent injury has highlighted Solskjaer’s defensive issues. The 28-year-old limped off with an ankle issue during his side’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa last weekend and missed midweek defeats against Leicester City and Liverpool.

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Tuanzebe started next to Bailly in central defence for the 2-1 reverse against Maguire’s former club Leicester. In Maguire’s absence, United uncharacteristically conceded from a set-piece when Caglar Soyuncu headed in the winner midway through the second half.

Bailly was then partnered by Lindelof in their 4-2 loss to Liverpool on Thursday.

United’s defence failed to clear their lines from a set-piece, which eventually allowed Diogo Jota to score. Roberto Firmino was then allowed to head in Trent Alexander Arnold’s free-kick as part of a thrilling comeback from the Reds.

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Maguire faces a race to be fit for England’s Euro 2020 campaign. He is set to play alongside Manchester City’s John Stones at centre-back, having formed a strong partnership with the 26-year-old in the last 12 months for the Three Lions.

However, Maguire may have a new sidekick at United next season.

Real defender Varane is believed to be on their list of targets, with the La Liga side hoping to raise funds ahead of a potential move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe.

But the Red Devils have been dealt a blow in their hopes of signing the Frenchman, according to Spanish outlet Diario AS.

The Old Trafford hierarchy were hoping to pay £40m for Varane, but the report claims that Los Blancos will not accept anything less than £60m.

Varane, a 2018 World Cup winner with France, signed for Real from Lens for £8.5m in 2011.

The 28-year-old has won three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

The defender could be part of a busy transfer window for United, who are also expected to rekindle their interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.

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