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Here is how Man Utd can still sign Raphael Varane

Manchester United could sign Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane after all in light of contractual uncertainties around the Frenchman’s future in Spain, per ABC.

Despite recent speculation saying the centre-back is happy to continue with Zinedine Zidane’s side, United can still materialise their long-term interest in the player.

Varane became a target for the Spanish media following his lacklustre display in Madrid’s Champions League elimination to Manchester City last season.

The France international has since grown frustrated with the treatment he has received outside the Santiago Bernabeu.

Although he remains a beloved figure within the locker room, the 27-year-old defender is contemplating his future in the Spanish capital.

Due to the devastating impact the coronavirus crisis has had on the club’s finances, Los Blancos are looking to cut their wage bill by reducing their player’s salaries to up to ten percent.

Against this backdrop, the World Cup winner is reportedly demanding a pay raise to commit his long-term future to the famous white shirt.

The parties are locked in extension talks, with both sides sticking to their guns.

Varane has just over a year left to run on his current contract in Madrid, which puts the reigning La Liga champions in an awkward spot heading into the summer transfer window.

Florentino Perez can either offload his star defender for a substantial compensation fee in the region of €60-70million in the summer or accept the risk of seeing him leave for free at the end of the next season.

Meanwhile, the Spanish giants are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of outgoing Bayern Munich star David Alaba.

If Madrid end up snapping up the Austria international to replace Varane, the latter’s ten-year stint at the club may come to an end ahead of 2021/22.

The Red Devils are desperate to purchase a high-profile defender to help out Harry Maguire in the heart of their backline.

Of all the players on United’s shortlist, Varane is undoubtedly the most prominent option.

His potential arrival at Old Trafford would be a massive addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

It would also be a statement of intent amid United’s hopes of ending an eight-year title drought in the Premier League.