Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane in recent weeks, and they have now made their move to sign him.
According to Manchester Evening News, United have submitted a £50 million bid for the French international, but Madrid want £80m.
The Premier League club remain in talks with Madrid and hope to agree on a compromise over the fee.
The 76-cap French defender will be a free agent next year, and the £80m asking price appears unreasonable.
He is yet to sign a new deal with the Spanish outfit, and Madrid are believed to be keen to sell him this summer.
Madrid signed David Alaba on a free transfer from Bayern Munich earlier this summer, and the Austrian could be Varane’s replacement at Santiago Bernabeu.
SL View: Varane could transform Manchester United
United need to bring in a top-class partner for Harry Maguire if they want to launch a title challenge next season.
Varane is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world and could have a transformative effect on United.
Ruben Dias highlighted the value of signing a top-class centre-back for Manchester City last season, and Varane has the ability to have a similar impact.
Read: Manchester United trying to sign La Liga winner this summer.
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