Manchester United’s efforts to sign Raphael Varane have hit a stumbling block following Sergio Ramos’ departure at Real Madrid, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to recruit a new central defender before the start of the new season and Varane is at the top of his shortlist.
United have already had a £50 million offer for the France international rejected by Madrid, who are holding out for a fee closer to £80m.
But Madrid’s hand could be forced as Varane has just one year remaining on his current contract and has refused to sign a new deal with the Spanish club.
However, The Telegraph and The Times both report that Madrid are now set to step up their efforts to keep Varane in the wake of Ramos’ exit.
Madrid are looking to avoid the situation which would see both Ramos and Varane leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Speaking on Thursday, Ramos made it clear that his intention was to remain at Madrid and has accused the Spanish club of taking away their offer of a contract renewal.
‘I’ve never wanted to leave,’ said Ramos.
‘The club offered me one year, with a drop in salary. I wanted two years, not for the money, for continuity for me and my family. The economic issue was never a problem.
‘Then I decided to accept the offer that I thought was on the table, of one year, but I was told that the offer wasn’t there any more.
‘They told my agent that the offer had expired a week ago. The truth is I don’t know why the offer expired, I can’t answer that. There was a negotiation and maybe I misunderstood.’
Varane, meanwhile, is reportedly keen on joining Paris Saint-Germain this summer having decided that he will not sign a new deal with Madrid.
However, it’s understood that PSG are also interested in signing Ramos, who is now available on a free transfer after leaving Madrid.
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