LOAN RANGER
Old Trafford outcast Donny van de Beek could have a pivotal role in Manchester United’s bid to land Raphael Varane, writes PHIL THOMAS.
United have held initial talks with Real Madrid about signing the French centre-back, who would cost around £50million.
But Real are also keen on taking Van de Beek, 24, to the Bernabeu on a year-long loan, with a commitment to buy 12 months down the line.
And United believe that gives them a key bargaining tool in their pursuit of Varane, who tops their list of centre-back targets.
Varane, 28, has one more season left on his deal and can sign a pre-contract agreement in January.
As much as the Spanish giants would love to keep him, they also do not want to lose him on a free — especially as they are in such a cash-strapped state at the moment.
So United are more likely to play ball over Van de Beek, if it gives them a little wriggle room in signing Varane, who is also on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar.
