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Liverpool ‘tell Real Madrid star Raphael Varane they want to sign him’ with Man Utd keen
Liverpool could swoop for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.
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Liverpool have reportedly told Real Madrid star Raphael Varane they wish to sign him at the end of the campaign. The France international is a top Manchester United transfer target for the summer window as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eyes a partner for Harry Maguire. But Jurgen Klopp, it seems, has other ideas.
Varane has been a crucial asset for Real Madrid over the years, ever since arriving from Lens back in the summer transfer window of 2011.
He’s become Sergio Ramos’ top partner at the back, helping the club win four Champions League titles under Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane.
However, Varane’s contract at the Bernabeu is starting to wind down - with the player’s current deal due to expire next summer.
PSG are interested in securing his signature, especially with the Ligue 1 giants yet to sufficiently replace Chelsea star Thiago Silva.
Manchester United are also in the mix, with Solskjaer keen to sign an upgrade on Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe.
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But OkDiario claim Liverpool are now in the frame to land the 2018 World Cup winner.
It’s claimed Klopp is dreaming of signing Varane and pairing him alongside Virgil van Dijk, who is due to return from a long-term injury next season.
And, furthermore, Liverpool have reportedly told Varane of their desire to snap him up when the transfer window reopens.
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Real’s hand could be forced, too.
They’re hoping to sell Isco, Gareth Bale and Marcelo at the end of the season to free up funds as they hunt down PSG striker Kylian Mbappe, who is their dream target.
Yet they know the trio won’t fetch much and Varane, therefore, could be allowed to leave the Bernabeu for a new challenge elsewhere.
Liverpool and United could, therefore, now be primed for a transfer battle.
And what ultimately happens with Varane remains to be seen, especially with Real still hopeful he’ll sign a new contract with the club.
Real could also lose Ramos this summer.
The Spain international has been at the club ever since arriving from Sevilla back in 2005 but, now, his contract is due to expire this summer.
And United star Eric Bailly thinks Ramos is the best player in the world, over Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Asked for his take on the ‘greatest’ debate, Bailly has told Guillem Balague’s YouTube channel: “My greatest inspiration has always been Ramos.
“I've admired him for a long time, because of what he does in football and how he keeps going at a high level.
“For me, he's one of the best players in the history of football. Everyone has an opinion, but he is one of the best, the perfect reference point for me.
“If you ask me, Messi or Ronaldo, I’d say Ramos.”
Varane previously came close to moving to England in 2011, with Sir Alex Ferguson wanting him at United.
In the end, however, the Frenchman decided to move to Spain instead - where he’s since proven himself to be one of the best defenders on the planet.