Manchester United target Raphael Varane could be set to stay at Real Madrid despite recent speculation over his immediate future, according to reports. The 27-year-old, who has featured heavily under Zinedine Zidane this season, is out of contract at the end of next season which has sparked rumours of a summer move away from the Spanish capital.
Madrid, like many clubs across Europe, have been hit hard by the financial effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and face being forced to sell Varane at the end of the season in order to avoid losing him for nothing a year later.
He is said to be a top target for United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to bring in a new central defender to partner captain Harry Maguire at the back.
The Norwegian boss has fielded Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly alongside the England star this season with mixed levels of success.
The Red Devils have been tracking Varane’s progress for a number of years, and expressed an interest in signing him two years ago along with Paris Saint-Germain before he eventually decided to remain with Los Blancos.
Although United will have high hopes of finally getting their man this time around, It seems as though they could be in for another fruitless conclusion.
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Varane has entered into talks with Madrid over the possibility of a new contract, according to Marca.
Zidane, who is a huge fan of the player, is said to be keen on keeping hold of him for the foreseeable future with the defender a key part of the Real manager’s plans.
He has started all but one of his side’s La Liga fixtures this season, helping to keep 10 clean sheets in the process.
Zidane previously claimed that Varane would be irreplaceable if he leaves Madrid, suggesting that all parties are aiming to resolve his situation as quickly as possible.
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“He is part of this club, and we were very lucky to be able to bring him to Madrid,” Zidane told reporters in November.
“He has a great career, he’s achieved a lot since he’s been here. Of course, he is non-transferable for the club, for the coach that I am, for people in general.
“That’s clear and unambiguous. Now we can’t stop people from talking. They’re not just talking about Varane, but about all the players, Real Madrid ones and others.
“But for Varane, my position is clear, and it’s the same as the club’s position.”
It remains to be seen whether the Varane will agree to fresh terms or seek a summer exit in search of a new challenge.
He made the switch to Madrid from French outfit Lens in 2011 and has not looked back, racking up a total of 352 appearances for the Spanish giants.
The Lille native boasts a glittering CV that includes four Champions League titles, three La Liga triumphs and one World Cup after helping France to lift the famous trophy in 2018.
United are also said to be eyeing a number of other defensive targets including Brighton and Hove Albion star Ben White and RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate.
