Manchester United 'given fresh hope of signing Raphael Varane'

Manchester United ‘given fresh hope of signing Raphael Varane with Real Madrid closing in on Bayern Munich’s David Alaba’ as the Spanish giants look to cash in on their top stars amid financial struggles

  • Man United could be in pole position to sign Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane 
  • The Spanish side are said to be closing in on a deal for Bayern’s David Alaba 
  • The move is set to clear the way for United to swoop in for Varane, reports claim 

Manchester United have reportedly been given hope of signing Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane with the Spanish outfit said to be closing in on Bayern Munich’s David Alaba.

Varane has been a long-term target of United and has just one year remaining on his deal at the Bernabeu after nearly a decade with Los Blancos – who could be forced to cash in on the Frenchman this summer. 

Madrid have been heavily linked with a free transfer for Alaba and are said to have agreed a five-year deal with the Austrian defender to join ahead of next season, which could allow United to swoop in for Varane, according to MEN.

Manchester United have been given fresh hopes of landing Raphael Varane, reports claim

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have been long term admirers of the World Cup winning defender

Varane has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in world football during his time at the Bernabeu – helping the club win four Champions League trophies and three LaLiga titles, but with Madrid struggling financially, he could be one of the big-name stars that could leave the club.

Signing Alaba as a replacement would be a smart move for the Spanish side, with the 28-year-old already announcing he would leave the club on a Bosman this summer after 13 years.

Reports from Germany claimed the deal would be announced in the coming weeks after failing to agree fresh terms with the Bavarians.

Madrid are set to seal a free transfer for Bayern’s David Alaba, paving the way for Varane’s exit

The Frenchman has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in world football in recent years

Earlier this month Sportsmail reported that United were exploring a deal for Varane this summer, with Real looking for a fee in the region of £60million to raise funds to rebuild their squad.

It is understood United will face competition from PSG, the club Varane supported as a boy, as they hunt for a top quality centre-back who can play alongside club captain Harry Maguire.

The club have made two approaches for Varane previously – Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him when he was a youngster at Lens in 2011 before Madrid convinced him to move to Madrid, and saw a bid rebuffed in 2017. 

United believe Varane fits the profile of defender they need to play alongside Harry Maguire

United have conceded 35 goals in the Premier League this season, with 12 clean sheets – ranking them fourth in the division. 

Earlier on in the campaign the Red Devils came under fire for lapses in concentration at the back, and while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have shown a huge improvement across the board – with Victor Lindelof striking up a good partnership with Maguire – the club are still targeting a new centre-back as a priority. 

United have a number of targets and alternatives to Varane, including Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate, Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde. 




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