Opportunity for Man United as Varane puts off extension

Manchester United’s pursuit of Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane has received a major boost. The pursuit of the Frenchman by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been well publicized this summer, and the team is currently in talks with the Spanish club.

Varane returned to Real Madrid training earlier this week, but after 10 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, he has showed no signs of committing to a long-term contract with the club. Varane had not responded to Real Madrid’s contract offer until now, according to publications in Spain.

The Frenchman boasts a fairly large trophy cabinet, winning multiple UEFA Champions League titles, LaLiga titles, FIFA Club World Cup, and the FIFA World Cup in 2018. The center back, who is 28 currently, is a hot prospect in the market. Most can’t afford to pay his wages, and therefore will refrain to make a move for his signing.

Manchester United, who have finally secured Jadon Sancho’s signature from Borussia Dortmund after a year-long saga, will make persistent attempts to bag him. The 2013 Premier League champions require reinforcements in defense. Skipper Harry Maguire has been playing almost every match since he was signed from Leicester. In case he gets injured, they need a solid center back, which can be secured with Varane in their ranks.   

Jose Felix Diaz, a Real Madrid insider, claims that the 28-year-old has turned down a contract extension from his club. Real Madrid is reportedly aware that they will not be able to sign the France international to a new contract, giving United a big advantage in their pursuit of him.

The proposed agreement, according to Diaz, who spoke to the Ramon Alvarez de Mon Montoliu YouTube channel, is still difficult. Real Madrid is said to be demanding for more money at the moment, with Manchester United reportedly refusing to match their requests.