MANCHESTER UNITED are kicking on with a busy summer in the transfer market amid talk of a bid for Raphael Varane.
Varane, 28, has been a star at Real Madrid for a decade and boasts a trophy cabinet containing four Champions League titles, three LaLiga crowns and a World Cup.
The Red Devils are determined to sign a new partner for Harry Maguire this summer, in the hope of generating a Premier League title challenge.
It had been reported by Manchester Evening News that an offer of £50million was sent to Real – and swiftly rejected.
Los Blancos were said to have asked for £80m despite their player being just a year away from leaving for free.
Talks over a new contract have failed to progress and it had previously been suggested that Real would cash in if Varane refused to sign.
A fee of £80m would be difficult to meet for any team in the pandemic crisis, including United who are also discussing a deal for Jadon Sancho.
However, the club will be able to offer Varane a pre-agreement contract to join as a free agent in January if he does not commit to Real.
By that point it is expected a host of rivals would also join the race to sign the France international.
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Chelsea are one other club thought to be interested in the 28-year-old.
Sevilla’s Jules Kounde has also been named as on United’s shortlist.
Madrid have already let Sergio Ramos go this summer amid a mounting debt problem, but have signed David Alaba to bolster their defence.
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