Manchester United ‘have a chance’ to sign Raphael Varane in 2021 with two crucial factors potentially nudging the player towards Old Trafford, according to a report.
United remain in the market for a top-class defender to partner Harry Maguire and were linked with several names over the summer.
As such, The Athletic reported that United considered Burnley’s James Tarkowski. Dayot Upamecano, Kalidou Koulibaly and Varane are other targets too.
United’s inconsistent start to the new season has only heightened talk that a new defender will be sought.
They conceded three times at home to Crystal Palace and twice against Brighton. United were then humiliated in a 6-1 loss to Tottenham in October.
Inspite of Maguire’s wobbly form, his place is no thought to be in doubt. Major question marks over his partnerships with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly do so remain.
However, the Manchester Evening News claims United can solve the issue by signing Varane in 2021.
They suggest that with just 18 months left on his contract and his stock on the decline at Real, a parting of ways looks possible.
The MEN writes that the player could be sacrificed by Real as they plot their own big-money additions in 2021. It’s claimed the World Cup winner, whose frailties were exposed by Manchester City in the Champions League last season – could be moved on.
Karim Benzema’s agent also suggested Varane has not been the same player since the blunder.
“After the match against Man City, he’s been a shadow of himself,” Karim Djaziri said.
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Varane in change of agents
Furthermore, a change of agents could also point the way towards Old Trafford.
The MEN writes: ‘The possibility of signing Varane 10 years on still has to be explored. An agency source reiterated ‘lots of clubs’ like Varane but none have mooted a potential deal.
‘Varane switched to the Base Soccer agency United have a productive relationship with in September. He does not turn 28 until April – that falls into United’s preferred age range of targets.’
They conclude that Varane’s leadership skills would significantly boost United’s defence. Furthermore, his athleticism and speed would be the ideal complement for Maguire.
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