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As reported by multiple sources over the past week or so, Raphaël Varane is closing in on a move to Manchester United, and is set to agree personal terms on a five-year contract.
United still need to reach final agreement with Real Madrid, and though they appear to be close, as Marca report, they could face some late competition with Chelsea (re-)emerging from the discard pile of the rumor mill.
El Madrid se cansa de juego de Varane https://t.co/MriuUFKXAD Informa @SantiSiguero
— MARCA (@marca) July 17, 2021
That sounds little more than a last gasp effort by Real to wring out more than €50m from United by way of a bidding war against Chelsea. Los Blancos value their long-time defender at €70m, but unless someone else makes a strong play, they are stuck with whatever United’s offering for a player in the last year of his contract.
Raphaël Varane is on verge to join Manchester United. The 28-year-old centre-back agreed with #MUFC on personal terms. Contract until 2026. Now the clubs have to find a solution. Real Madrid want a bit more than €50. All parties confident the deal will happen soon. @SPORT1
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) July 17, 2021
Unfortunately for them, Chelsea’s presence in this rumor is purely speculative and while we’ve been linked with a few center backs (Jules Koundé, for example), we’re more likely to keep selling them than paying €50m+ for one. Varane will be an excellent signing for United however, which could be a concern for us and the rest of the Premier League title-hopefuls.
Situation clear on Varane side. He’s ready to accept Manchester United contract proposal until 2026 if the agreement between clubs with Real Madrid will be reached in the next days/weeks. #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2021
Varane will be respectful with Real - but he’d love a Premier League experience. https://t.co/ltluFh8KSW