Man Utd table first bid for Real Madrid star | OneFootball

Manchester United have tabled a £43 million offer for wantaway Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane, according to Spanish news outlet Marca.

The Red Devils are desperate to sign a top-level defender in the summer and have identified the Frenchman as an ideal partner for captain Harry Maguire.

United hold a long-standing interest in Varane, but Los Blancos were reluctant to sell their prized possession at the peak of his career.

However, the 27-year-old is approaching the final year of his contract in Madrid and has refused to pledge his long-term future to the club.

While Madrid have the reputation of being the pinnacle for most footballers, the 2018 World Cup winner seems eager to cut short his ten-year spell in the Spanish capital.

During his illustrious career with reigning La Liga champions, Varane has won 18 major titles, including four Champions League crowns.

Despite playing a prominent role under Zinedine Zidane, the France international is looking to leave, with United ready to take him away from the Iberian peninsula.

After months of speculation, the Red Devils have made their move, launching a £43m bid in the hope of tempting Madrid into selling.

Although the Daily Mail recently reported that Florentino Perez is asking for £60m to sanction the sale, Varane’s contract situation suggests he may depart in a cut-price deal.

United had thought the record-breaking £80m signing of Maguire solved their defensive woes, but things have turned out to be quite different.

The Englishman has notably improved this season along with Victor Lindelof, who has put up some high-level displays in recent times.

Unfortunately for the Swede, Solskjaer is not convinced he is the appropriate partner for the England international and wants to replace him with a better-quality defender.

Varane is the total package when it comes to centre-backs and has the mindset of a winner.

Arguably one of the fastest central defenders in Europe, he is impressive in aerial duels and one-on-one situations with opposition attackers.

The former Lens man fits all requirements to become a new defensive leader at Old Trafford and United are ready to do whatever it takes to bring him in this summer.