GOOD MORNING UTD FANS
SunSport’s Phil Thomas reports that Old Trafford outcast Donny van de Beek could have a pivotal role in United’s bid to land Raphael Varane.
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.
Ironically the Red Devils pipped Real to sign the Dutch midfielder in a £35m move from Ajax last summer.
Meanwhile, United are considering a major swap deal involving Paul Pogba and Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, reports suggest.
United are on the verge of completing Jadon Sancho’s move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund and will then focus on signing a new centre-back.
Varane appears to be the Red Devils’ top target as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to sign a highly-rated defender to link up with Harry Maguire at the back.
According to AS, however, the Manchester giants are believed to have splashed almost €100million (£86m) for Sancho already.
That means they are only willing to spend a maximum of €45m (£39m), plus add-ons.
This is a sum far short of the €70m (£60m) that Real are looking to recoup for the France international, even though his contract runs out next year.
And finally, Luke Shaw has the second-most assists in the delayed European Championships and matched a knockout game record.
The United left-back has been an instrumental part of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions during the tournament.
And after setting up United team-mate Harry Maguire and captain Harry Kane, he took his Euros assists tally up to three.
He also helped Raheem Sterling open the scoring against Germany in the 2-0, last 16 win.
Only Switzerland’s Steven Zuber is ahead of him with one more assist.
