Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a move to Old Trafford, according to reports. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already snapped up Jadon Sancho and Tom Heaton. But they’re targeting more reinforcements as they look to win the Premier League title next time out.
Real Madrid have already lost Sergio Ramos, who is widely expected to join PSG on a free transfer.
But Varane now looks set to follow, with the France international eager to leave the Bernabeu for a new challenge.
United first tried to land the centre-back in 2011, when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge, only to end up missing out following a late intervention from Zinedine Zidane.
But they’re now confident of succeeding in their mission under Solskjaer and bringing the 28-year-old to Old Trafford this summer.
Now, ABC Sports have delivered an update.
They claim Varane has agreed personal terms with United, with the 2018 World Cup winner poised to pocket £10million a year once the transfer officially goes through.
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Solskjaer has concerns over Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly, who have struggled for consistency ever since their arrivals from Benfica and Villarreal respectively.
And the injury woes of Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe mean they can’t be relied on, with the pair both failing to fulfil their vast potential at the club.
This summer, the Glazers are ready to back Solskjaer.
They’ve been shaken by the European Super League debacle and the protests that took place in the aftermath, with fans successfully managing to get a match with Liverpool postponed.
And Joel Glazer, speaking last month, insisted he and his family were committed to the club – and determined to help them end their wait for Premier League glory.
“Our goal is to win every competition we compete in, and we will continue to invest in our Academy and in the transfer market to support the manager in an effort to meet the club’s goals,” he said.
“As a club we have devoted a lot of time and resources over the last several years updating and further developing our vast global scouting network to adapt to the modern football environment.
“This is a project that should provide a foundation for long-term success in the years to come.
“In addition, as you all know, we have also been focused on growing and developing our women’s team in line with the traditions and values of the club, and we are committed to continuing that process.”
And he then added: “It [debt and dividend payments] has never stood in the way of us pursuing players or transfers on the pitch.
“We may have walked away from transfers at times because the other side wanted an outlandish number. And while it’s easy to pay it that one time, it does have consequences.
“You do it once and the next person expects it, and then the next person expects it. And that’s not good, ultimately, for the club. So, we think that we’re able to accomplish all these things and still have.
“We’re going to keep investing on the pitch, which we did last year, and we plan on doing it meaningfully this year. So, we feel that we’re in a good spot.”
Varane isn’t the only player on United’s wishlist.
They’re also keen on Kieran Trippier, while links to Eduardo Camavinga, Declan Rice and Cristiano Ronaldo all remain ongoing.
