Sundaymail Editor
Manchester United are reportedly lining up a £40million bid for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane this summer.
United are on track to finish second in the Premier League but their defence has been shaky, with more goals conceded than 17th-placed Brighton.
According to the Mirror, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on signing the Frenchman to play alongside captain Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence. Varane, 28, only has a year left on his contract, and United believe they can secure his signature for around £40m.
The 73-cap international has spent a decade with the Spanish giants, making 359 appearances in all competitions, winning 18 trophies in that time.
He has won three La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and the 2018 World Cup, and would bring pace, poise and winning experience to the side. The Red Devils have tried to sign him before in previous transfer windows, but could get a deal over the line this summer with Varane understood to want a new challenge.
United have struggled in the absence of the previously ever-present Maguire, who has missed the last two matches with an ankle injury, and the side conceding six goals in that time. This included a 4-2 loss against Liverpool at Old Trafford last week.
Eric Bailly, who signed a new contract until 2024 last month, and Victor Lindelof have failed to consistently impress and Varane could be the answer.
Up next United host Fulham on Tuesday, before travelling to Wolves in the last Premier League game of the season.
Solskjaer has urged his defenders to step up with Maguire touch-and-go for the Europa League final on May 26.
He said: “Harry has been amazing since he came to the club.
“He has been more or less ever-present, so of course, when a player is a leader, a captain, the status of him, his presence is missed.
“But then we have players who can come in, and it’s a chance for everyone to take on that little bit of leadership.
“We need to do that when he’s gone.
“You can hear him in the stands when he’s not playing.
“Someone else has to take that responsibility now.” – MailOnline
Online Reporter