Those at the top of the Manchester United hierarchy are reportedly fearful Raphael Varane is using the club to secure a new and improved contract at current side Real Madrid.
It has been a transfer saga that looks set to last the entire summer as United have regularly been linked with the Frenchman, who had reportedly declared his desire for a new challenge in the Premier League, with Old Trafford his ideal destination.
However, talks are rumoured to have stalled between the two European heavyweights as a fee is yet to be agreed for the defender.
As the days pass, some sections of those at the top of United are fearful Varane is manipulating the Red Devils interest in him to earn himself a bumper new deal at Los Blancos.
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The 28-year-old is well aware Real Madrid will be keen on keeping him tied to the Santiago Bernabeu for the upcoming season, having already lost club legend and long-time servant Sergio Ramos to Paris Saint-Germain on a free earlier this summer.
Having been at the club for a decade, Varane’s presence will be welcomed as the Spanish giants gear up for what could prove to be a turbulent transition period shrouded in financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
It is however, the very same financial concerns that could be the reason why Varane could depart, as Real Madrid look to bolster transfer funds of their own, which would be aided by his sale.
Varane has already entered the final 12 months of his current Real Madrid contract and as of January of next year, is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club.
He remains United’s priority target now that Jadon Sancho has been confirmed, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer viewing Varane as the ideal partner for club captain Harry Maguire at the heart of defence.
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Despite the fact he could walk for free this time next year, Real Madrid want sufficient compensation if Varane were to depart and are thought to be demanding as much as £60m for the 28-year-old.
United chief executive Ed Woodward wants that figure lowered by at least £20m, given Varane’s age means he is likely to have little to no sell on value.
During his ten-year stay at the club, Varane has featured more than 350 times for Real Madrid, winning four Champions League’s in the process as well as the 2018 World Cup with national side France.
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