MANCHESTER UNITED have received a huge transfer boost in their pursuit of Raphael Varane.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to add some defensive reinforcements this summer, with Real Madrid star Varane believed to be on the shopping list.
And according to the Manchester Evening News, the French centre-half could be ‘forced out’ with the club close to sealing a deal to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.
The Austria international announced he would leave the German giants at the end of the season, and a five-year contract is on the table at the Bernabeu.
Varane is yet to sign a new deal with the Spaniards and could leave for free at the end of next season.
The MEN writes that “if the World Cup-winning Frenchman declines a new deal Bernabeu bosses will have to sanction his exit”.
Solskjaer is thought to have made a new partner for Harry Maguire his transfer priority.
But Chelsea have emerged as serious contenders for Varane, according to German publication Bild, due to Thomas Tuchel’s interest in the player.
Madrid could demand as much as £86million for the 27-year-old after a decade of starring for the team.
United have also been linked with Varane’s defensive partner at Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos.
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The club legend is also yet to agree a new deal, and would be available on a free.
Real’s signing of Alaba has been given the green light – by his team-mate at Bayern Joshua Kimmich.
The 26-year-old told Sky Germany: “He has won everything here multiple times.
“Twice the treble, once even six titles in one year. Real is in any case a worthy club.
“There aren’t many steps you can take after playing for Bayern but Real Madrid isn’t that bad as the next step.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
