Football journalist Ian McGarry has been sharing some insight regarding Manchester United’s reported transfer interest in Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
This comes after McGarry co-hosted a recent episode of The Transfer Window Podcast alongside Duncan Castles, where the duo spoke about a range of transfer-related topics.
On the subject of United’s reported interest in signing Varane this summer, McGarry had this to say on the matter.
He said: “There is a very, very strong interest from Manchester United in a player, who at 28, and with the experience that he has, would cost probably half of what they paid for Harry Maguire, potentially, in order to get him.
“However, it’s also the case that I have been told by someone close to Varane that he would definitely prefer to stay at Madrid and sign the new contract. However, the wages are around £300,000 per week in terms of what he’s asking for.”
Varane signed to Real Madrid back in the 2011 summer transfer window from French club RC Lens for a fee of £9 million.
Since then, the 28-year-old, who is currently valued at £63 million according to Transfermarkt, has gone on to make 360 appearances for the Spanish club, in which he has managed to score 17 goals, provide seven assists and win a plethora of trophies along the way.
TIF Thoughts on Ian McGarry’s comments on United’s interest in Varane…
Taking into account how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side managed to concede a total of 44 goals in the Premier League last season – more than the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal – it’s understandable why they would be interested in adding an experienced centre-back like Varane to their squad.
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However, given how the La Liga side have already said goodbye to Sergio Ramos this summer, it would seem unlikely, in our view, that they would be willing to let Varane leave as well.
Also, with McGarry claiming that Varane would prefer to stay with Carlo Ancelotti’s side – which seems like a big blow to their chances of signing him – perhaps it would be better if United moved on to another defensive option.
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