Raphael Varane has reportedly informed Real Madrid that he wants to leave the club this summer in search of a ‘fresh challenge’.
Manchester United are understood to be interested in signing the France international and have seen an opening offer rejected for his services, with Real Madrid holding out for ‘significantly more’ than the Red Devils are currently prepared to pay.
There is a sense, however, that a deal could be struck for a fee of around £40m-£45m before the end of the transfer window as Real run the risk of losing the player on a free transfer in 2022.
Varane has entered the final year of his contract with the Spanish giants and has rejected the chance to extend his deal, edging the defender closer to an exit after a decade at the Bernabeu.
According to The Athletic, Varane’s representatives have informed the Real hierarchy of his desire to leave in search of a new challenge and the 28-year-old is keen on a move to the Premier League and Old Trafford.
Real are holding out for their full valuation but are in need of funds given the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic at the club, though the loss of Varane and Sergio Ramos in the same transfer window would represent a huge blow.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the Frenchman, though the Ligue 1 side’s recent signing of Ramos from Real Madrid – coupled with the presence of Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos at the Parc des Princes – appears to lower their need for defensive additions.
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