Manchester United’s chase for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane suffers a blow with the LaLiga club ready to ‘make talks difficult and keen for revenge after tricks in their pursuits of Paul Pogba and David de Gea’
- Manchester United are keen on signing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane
- Sportsmail reported in April that United were weighing up a move for the star
- Reports have claimed that United are closing in on an agreement this summer
- But Defensa Central in Madrid claims talks won’t be easy with the LaLiga club
Manchester United‘s pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is set to be an uphill struggle with Florentino Perez willing to make negotiations between the two clubs difficult, according to reports.
Sportsmail revealed in April that United were weighing up a summer move for centre back Varane, having been given encouragement that he was ready to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season.
Several outlets have claimed in recent days that a deal is now edging closer, but Madrid-based publication Defensa Central believe that the process will be far from smooth sailing for United.
Real Madrid are willing to make talks with Manchester United over Raphael Varane ‘diffcult’
In fact, they have gone as far as saying that Madrid intend to make discussions extremely difficult, with both parties believed to currently be in talks over the highly-rated France international.
Varane’s contract runs down next summer, and it appears increasingly likely that Madrid may be forced to part ways with Sergio Ramos’ long-standing partner, given that an extension looks off the table.
This would see them bank a fee over the coming weeks rather than allow him to slip away for nothing, and his availability piqued United’s interest as they chase a new option to play alongside Harry Maguire.
The same report adds, however, that a move will happen – but Madrid president Perez is open to making United sweat while they attempt to reach an agreement.
Florentino Perez and the Madrid hierarchy reportedly want revenge for ‘tricks’ on United’s part
It is even said that Madrid are keen to take ‘small revenge’ against the Old Trafford outfits, for what they have viewed as ‘tricks’ in the past.
Their interest in United duo David de Gea and Paul Pogba has been made clear in recent years, and Madrid seemingly harbour resentment over the ‘many obstacles’ that were put up in their way.
A fax machine error memorably saw Madrid miss out on goalkeeper De Gea at the 11th hour in 2015, while United have tried everything in their power to prevent Pogba from exiting the club.
With United looking to bring in Varane, Madrid have now been presented with the chance to make the most recent round of talks as torturous as possible.
Varane exited Euro 2020 with France recently and United hope to snap him up this summer
This summer is set to be a hectic one for United, who have already agreed to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho for £73million.
Sancho, who is currently with England at Euro 2020, was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s primary target, and attentions will now turn to reinforcing his backline.
The other player at the top of his wishlist is Varane, ESPN have claimed, and United believe Madrid are ready to negotiate.
The wantaway Varane may even be available for around £43m, their report goes on to say, a figure significantly lower than his initial price tag of £60m.
