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Manchester United Could Sign Raphael Varane For A Lower Fee Than Expected

Manchester United Could Sign Raphael Varane For A Lower Fee Than Expected

United's number one transfer target after securing Jadon Sancho is Varane and they could now sign him for less than expected.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Manchester United could be about to land the signing of Raphael Varane for a smaller transfer fee than originally expected.

United's attention in the transfer window has turned to Varane, ever since they agreed in principal to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to pair the Real Madrid centre back up with Harry Maguire as he tries to battle for the Premier League title.

There has been different quotes for how much United would have to spend to sign the World Cup winner and back in May a bid of £40 million was reportedly rejected.

However now Los Blancos could be willing to accept less than the £40 million, with Defensa Central claiming that they will accept a bid of £35 million upfront, with £8 million in very obtainable add-ons.

Varane could be on the way to Old Trafford. Image: PA Images
Varane could be on the way to Old Trafford. Image: PA Images

The add ons will be extremely obtainable, and focus on appearances for United and France caps, rather than anything based on performance, for either the player or the buying club.

Real would rather Varane, who they signed 10 years ago, stay at the club this summer, having seen Sergio Ramos leave, but they only want to keep him if he signs a new contract.

The World Cup winner's contract expires at the end of next season, when he'd be able to leave for nothing, so the club want to cash in on him whilst they still can.

Varane and Ramos built a brilliant partnership over the past decade. Image: PA Images
Varane and Ramos built a brilliant partnership over the past decade. Image: PA Images

The 28-year-old is clearly United's priority now, with Sancho on the verge of being announced, as Solskjaer looks to strengthen the defence.

Despite conceded 44 goals last season, only one less than seventh place Tottenham Hotspur, with Maguire playing alongside Victor Lindelof for most of the season.

The England centre back proved at the Euros how good he can be, as he was included in the Team of the Tournament, but he has still made several high profile mistakes.

Combining him with Varane, one of the best defenders in the world, would certainly make a league challenge more likely.

Maguire was excellent in the Euros for England, despite ending up on the losing side in the final. Image: PA Images
Maguire was excellent in the Euros for England, despite ending up on the losing side in the final. Image: PA Images

United have also been linked with Eduardo Camavinga, from Rennes, and Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid this summer.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Transfer gossip, Raphael Varane, Real Madrid, La Liga

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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@Sidler28