Rio Ferdinand Sends Text Message To Man Utd Transfer Target To Convince Him To Join Club

Rio Ferdinand claims he has sent a text message to Manchester United transfer target Raphael Varane in a bid to try and persuade the defender to join his former club.

United are not wasting any time in this summer's transfer window. They have already reached an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund to sign long-term target Jadon Sancho for a reported £72.9 million.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have also been linked with moves for several players, including Eduardo Camavinga, Declan Rice and Danny Ings.

Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane is another player who continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford as United focus on strengthening their defensive options.

In fact, the France international has already 'given his word' to the club that he wants to join, according to Spanish publication Sport.

Los Blancos' asking price for the player, who has one year left on his deal at the Bernabeu, is reportedly in the region of €60 million.

Image credit: PA

The 28-year-old would certainly bring experience to the fold at Old Trafford after a trophy-laden 10 year spell in Madrid - and clearly former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand is a big admirer of Varane.

In an Instagram Q&A with his followers, Ferdinand responded to a fan who said: "Can you drop Varane a text since you were his idol?"

He replied suggesting he had already sent him a message, saying: "Already have done. Agent Ferdy."

Image credit: Rio Ferdinand/Instagram

United are all set to make a £50 million bid for Varane, according to Marca, who claim the club will also offer £25 million to Rennes for highly-rated midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who is 'closer than ever' to joining the ranks at Old Trafford.

They also suggest that both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid 'no longer see Camavinga as a priority'.

In terms of the Varane deal, it appears the French defender is seeking a new challenge as United try and strike out a deal.

Do you think Varane would be a good fit at Old Trafford? Do they need him alongside Harry Maguire next season if they want to challenge for the title?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League, Rio Ferdinand, Raphael Varane, Real Madrid

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_