Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Real Madrid want van de Beek in Varane deal EXCLUSIVE, United fans drool over Sancho

MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly come to a pre-contract agreement with French defender Raphael Varane.

Jadon Sancho gave Man Utd fans a taste of what to expect next season as he enjoyed an excellent performance in England's 4-0 drubbing of Ukraine.

And we've an exclusive story on Donny van de Beek's future at Old Trafford.

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  • Joshua Jones

    GOOD MORNING UTD FANS

    SunSport's Phil Thomas reports that Old Trafford outcast Donny van de Beek could have a pivotal role in United’s bid to land Raphael Varane.

    United have held initial talks with Real Madrid about signing the French centre-back, who would cost around £50million.

    But Real are also keen on taking Van de Beek, 24, to the Bernabeu on a year-long loan, with a commitment to buy 12 months down the line.

    And United believe that gives them a key bargaining tool in their pursuit of Varane, who tops their list of centre-back targets.

    Varane, 28, has one more season left on his deal and can sign a pre-contract agreement in January.

    As much as the Spanish giants would love to keep him, they also do not want to lose him on a free — especially as they are in such a cash-strapped state at the moment.

    So United are more likely to play ball over Van de Beek, if it gives them a little wriggle room in signing Varane, who is also on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar.

    Ironically the Red Devils pipped Real to sign the Dutch midfielder in a £35m move from Ajax last summer.

    Meanwhile, United are considering a major swap deal involving Paul Pogba and Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, reports suggest.

    United are on the verge of completing Jadon Sancho’s move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund and will then focus on signing a new centre-back.

    Varane appears to be the Red Devils’ top target as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to sign a highly-rated defender to link up with Harry Maguire at the back.

    According to AS, however, the Manchester giants are believed to have splashed almost €100million (£86m) for Sancho already.

    That means they are only willing to spend a maximum of €45m (£39m), plus add-ons.

    This is a sum far short of the €70m (£60m) that Real are looking to recoup for the France international, even though his contract runs out next year.

    And finally, Luke Shaw has the second-most assists in the delayed European Championships and matched a knockout game record.

    The United left-back has been an instrumental part of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions during the tournament.

    And after setting up United team-mate Harry Maguire and captain Harry Kane, he took his Euros assists tally up to three.

    He also helped Raheem Sterling open the scoring against Germany in the 2-0, last 16 win.

    Only Switzerland’s Steven Zuber is ahead of him with one more assist.

  • Joe Brophy

    LOAN RANGER

    Exclusive by Phil Thomas: Old Trafford outcast Donny van de Beek could have a pivotal role in Manchester United’s bid to land Raphael Varane.

    United have held initial talks with Real Madrid about signing the French centre-back, who would cost around £50million.

    But Real are also keen on taking Van de Beek, 24, to the Bernabeu on a year-long loan, with a commitment to buy 12 months down the line.

    And United believe that gives them a key bargaining tool in their pursuit of Varane, who tops their list of centre-back targets.

    Varane, 28, has one more season left on his deal and can sign a pre-contract agreement in January.

    As much as the Spanish giants would love to keep him, they also do not want to lose him on a free — especially as they are in such a cash-strapped state at the moment.

    So United are more likely to play ball over Van de Beek, if it gives them a little wriggle room in signing Varane, who is also on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar.

    Ironically the Red Devils pipped Real to sign the Dutch midfielder in a £35m move from Ajax last summer.

  • Joe Brophy

    CASE FOR DEFENCE

    Raphael Varane will fix ‘top-heavy’ Manchester United and solve their defensive woes.

    That’s according to Andros Townsend, who is back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to pull off a major transfer coup by signing Varane from Real Madrid.

    Townsend told TalkSport: “If you look at United’s team, they are very top-heavy.

    “They have a lot of forward options and Sancho will give them another.

    “But Varane, if he does come in, will solidify the back four.

    “He will give them extra strength, extra pace, and somebody of his calibre is more suited to the Premier League.

    “He’s big, he’s strong, he’s quick and I definitely think Varane takes them closer to where they want to be.”

  • Joe Brophy

    BALLON SHAW

    Luke Shaw has the second most assists in the delayed European Championships and matched a knockout game record.

    The Manchester United left-back has been an instrumental part of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions during the tournament.

    And after setting up United team-mate Harry Maguire and captain Harry Kane, he took his Euros assists tally up to three.

    He also helped Raheem Sterling open the scoring against Germany in the 2-0, last 16 win.

    Only Switzerland’s Steven Zuber is ahead of him with one more assist.

  • Joe Brophy

    REAL DEAL

    Manchester United are considering a major swap deal involving Paul Pogba and Real Madrid star Raphael Varane, reports suggest.

    United are on the verge of completing Jadon Sancho's move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund and will then focus on signing a new centre-back.

    Varane appears to be the Red Devils' top target as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to sign a highly-rated defender to link up with Harry Maguire at the back.

    According to AS, however, the Manchester giants are believed to have splashed almost €100million (£86m) for Sancho already.

    That means they are only willing to spend a maximum of €45m (£39m), plus add-ons.

    This is a sum far short of the €70m (£60m) that Real are looking to recoup for the France international, even though his contract runs out next year.

  • Joe Brophy

    PERFECT MATCH

    Jadon Sancho will add a lot for England if he gets to play against Ukraine.

    That is according to Jamie Redknapp, who describes the incoming £73million star as a "matchwinner".

    The ex-Liverpool star told Sky Sports: "He's a super player, an amazing talent. He's a matchwinner.

    "He's done it in Germany, goals and assists, and I think a lot of people will believe that adding him into the equation will give us something completely different."

  • Joe Brophy

    FORWARD THINKING

    Gareth Southgate revealed Jadon Sancho has been given his first Euros start as he is a key to unlocking Ukraine's stubborn back line.

    He told the BBC: "It looks like Ukraine are going to have five at the back.

    "It's been a huge challenge for all our attacking players because we have got so much depth.

    "We can't keep everyone happy but Jadon Sancho's profile for this game – we need one-versus-one specialists – he has got that ability."

  • Joe Brophy

    PAUL TO PLAY FOR

    Paul Pogba and old Juventus pal Paulo Dybala have been reunited in Miami as speculation surrounding the France ace’s future rumbles on.

    The Italian giants have long been linked with another swoop for the 2018 World Cup winner, particularly with Massimiliano Allegri back in the hotseat.

  • Joe Brophy

    GO ON MY SAN

    Jack Grealish has been left on the bench tonight but Jadon Sancho gets a chance to shine for England from the start, as SunSport exclusively revealed earlier.

    Winger Sancho, who has agreed a deal to join Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund, has been unleashed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate in tonight’s Euro 2020 quarter final.

  • Joe Brophy

    PHONE HOME

    Gareth Southgate has admitted ‘we can’t stop business happening’ after Jadon Sancho’s move to Manchester United was confirmed this week.

    Asked by ITV whether the winger’s situation has subdued his efforts, the England boss said: “No, in fact I think Jadon over the last seven days has trained the best level in the time with us.

    “You accept there are lots of ongoing transfer situations and nobody is coming in for talks, nobody is going out for talks.

    “But we can’t stop people’s phones ringing and we can’t stop business happening outside of that and you just have to trust the players and they’re all very focused.

    “I haven’t really had a long discussion with him about it at this moment, because that story’s been going on for 12 months.

    “When everything’s confirmed I’m sure I’ll have a chat with him.

    “But there’s so much speculation about all of our players, I don’t pick up every little individual piece but I’m checking in with the players every single day to see how they are and the biggest thing is he’s been very focused in his training and that’s been good.”

  • Joe Brophy

    SIBLING REVELRY

    Harry Maguire's biggest armchair fan during England’s clash with Ukraine is likely to be his younger brother Laurence.

    Covid restrictions mean the Chesterfield defender – who also plays for the Three Lions C team – will have to watch his older sibling anxiously from home this evening.

    He told the Derbyshire Times: “We are having a bit of a gathering tonight with family and friends so hopefully we will be jumping around later on

    “It is a disappointment that we can’t be out there. Without Covid we would have all been there.

    “It is disappointing because you always want to follow him wherever he is playing, especially in the quarter-final of a major tournament.”

  • Joe Brophy

    SHEER DELIGHT

    Ed Sheeran has revealed that England stars held hands and sang along in a circle as he performed Three Lions during a private concert at St George's Park.

    Asked by Peter Crouch if everyone was getting involved when he sang the Baddiel and Skinner classic, Sheeran said: "Yeah, we ended the night, in a circle, all hands around.

    "For me, just as an English boy, being in the centre of the England team, it was really great.

    "I’ve had many amazing moments in my life but I don’t think there’s many that will top that."

  • Joe Brophy

    LUK ELSEWHERE

    Former Manchester United Romelu Lukaku is set to stay at Inter Milan, according to reports.

    Inter were expected to sell players this summer due to financial fair play concerns but the imminent sale of Achraf Hakimi to PSG has reportedly resolved that issue.

    And according to Fabrizio Romano, Inter do not need to sell another big name.

    He told his Twitch stream: "Lukaku is so happy with Inter. I think he is staying. The feeling at Inter is that Lukaku's staying.

    "After selling Hakimi I don't see Inter selling another star this summer, unless there is a crazy bid."

  • Joe Brophy

    DAVE STAYS

    David de Gea is determined to stay and fight for a first-team place at Manchester United, according to reports.

    The Spaniard's future was cast into doubt after Dean Henderson took his place in the side towards the end of last season.

    And the signing of goalkeeper Tom Heaton this week has sparked further questions about De Gea's future.

    The Red Devils now have four keepers in the squad with Lee Grant putting pen to paper on a new one year deal on Thursday.

    But De Gea will attempt to play his way back into the side according to The Times.

    He has been at United for ten years and has two more years left on his current contract.

    And it is believed that his £375,000 a week wages would prove a sticking point if a club tried to sign him.

  • Joe Brophy

    CROWN JULE

    Arsenal and Tottenham’s hopes of signing Sevilla star Jules Kounde have been boosted after Manchester United turned their attention elsewhere, reports suggest.

    Kounde enjoyed a stunning campaign with the Andalusians as he made 49 appearances across all competitions and earned immense interest from the Premier League.

    United, Arsenal and Tottenham are said to be keeping tabs on the star centre-back, whose impressive performances in LaLiga earned him an international call-up by France for Euro 2020.

    But Dean Jones recently told The Done Deal Show that the Red Devils are prioritising other defensive targets, mainly Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.

  • Joshua Mbu

    ED IT IN

    Edinson Cavani is hoping to fire Uruguay into the Copa America semi-final.

  • Joshua Mbu

    HERE WE GO

    Man Utd are in contact with Real Madrid over the signing of defender Raphael Varane.

    According to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, there's been no official bid yet.

    And the deal won't be sealed quickly.

    But personal terms will not be an issue with the player, who wants to try something new.

    Real do, however, hope to persuade the 28-year-old to stay at the club.

    Additionally, according to ABC Deportes, Varane has a pre-agreement with Man Utd on personal terms.

    The Frenchman has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal worth 12m Euros.

  • Joshua Mbu

    AT THE DOUBLE

    Bruno Fernandes finish top of Man Utd's goals and assists charts in the Premier League last season.

    Will he replicate the same form in the 2021-22 league campaign?

  • Joshua Mbu

    REAL DEAL

    Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos has attracted interest from the Premier League after his exit from the Santiago Bernabeu, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.

    Ramos' 16-year stint at Real came to an end last month after the player and club president Florentino Perez failed to reach an agreement over a new contract.

    Los Blancos were willing to offer a one-year deal on reduced terms but the 35-year-old defender held out for a two-year contract and that standstill led to the former team captain's departure.

    According to the Daily Star, Manchester United approached the Spain international and proposed a £10million deal, with the option of a second season.

    But Ramos rejected that offer and reports suggest he is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain, where he has been handed a straight two-year deal with his annual salary slightly minimised.

    Sergio Ramos has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal after leaving Real MadridCredit: GETTY IMAGES
  • Joshua Mbu

    IMPOSING FIGURE

    Man Utd captain Harry Maguire is just as dominant in a game of volleyball as he is on a football pitch!

  • Joshua Mbu

    BROZO BID

    Manchester United are gearing up to splash the cash on Serie A midfield gem Marcelo Brozovic following their stunning £72 million deal for Jadon Sancho, writes SANDRA BROBBEY

    But the Red Devils may have to fight with Barcelona for the services of the Croatia international according to La Repubblica and the Daily Star. 

    Alongside skipper Luka Modric, Brozovic was one of the shining lights for his national side at the Euros putting in impressive performances in the competition’s group stages and last 16. 

    The Zagreb-born Inter Milan star, 28, helped Croatia dominate possession during their crucial 3-1 group game win against Scotland. 

    And he was arguably one of their most dynamic performers against Spain, who they pushed all the way before falling to a dramatic 5-3 last 16 defeat after extra time. 

  • Joshua Mbu

    POG TOP

    Man Utd want to tie Paul Pogba down to a new deal which would most likely see him become their top earner.

    The wages of Manchester United's current players
  • Joshua Mbu

    VAR-D TIMES 

    Real Madrid are set to make talks ‘difficult’ with Manchester United over the transfer of Raphael Varane, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.

    The French defender has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Bernabeu and looks set to be sold this summer.

    United are in dialogue with Madrid over a deal for the ace – although the Spanish club are determined to make things hard.

    Defensa Central claims that the Red Devils have already offered around £43million for the 28-year-old Varane.

    Madrid president Florentino Perez ‘will not settle for the first offer, despite the fact that it has not disappointed him’, claims the Spanish publication.

    The chief will not accept that bid ‘no matter what’ and will demand more.

    And it is allegedly because Perez wants to take a ‘small revenge’ against the Premier League giants.

  • Joshua Mbu

    ROME-BOUND

    Man Utd have wished England good luck ahead of tonight's game against Ukraine in Rome.

    Club captain Maguire, Rashford, Shaw and Sancho are all away with England.

  • Joshua Mbu

    SANTASTIC

    Jadon Sancho is one of Man Utd's most expensive transfers!

    Man Utd's biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo

    Source: Read Full Article