Manchester United News: Raphael Varane edging closer as Real Madrid willing to accept €40m offer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United are edging closer to securing their dream centerback partner for Harry Maguire this summer.

According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are willing to accept the Red Devils’ €40m offer for Raphael Varane, after realizing that their star man will not renew his contract. The Frenchman’s current deal with Los Blancos expires next summer and the la liga giants are eager to tie the 28-year-old down to a new contract. Real Madrid have already seen Sergio Ramos depart as a free agent and even though they have signed David Alaba as a stellar replacement, the Spanish side are not ready to lose both Ramos and Varane in the same transfer window.

Raphael Varane

 However, the Frenchman wants a new challenge this summer, amid interest from Manchester United. Real Madrid are aware that they risk repeating the Sergio Ramos saga if they allow Raphael Varane to run down his contract. The Spaniard moved on to Paris Saint-Germain this summer after a long contract stand-off. Los Blancos would like to avoid the chances of becoming  embroiled in a similar situation with the Frenchman, who has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils.

🗞 Raphael Varane is going to sign for for #mufc. The Frenchman's agents are negotiating with the club and #mufc's offer will arrive in the coming days. [@cjbustillo]

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 14, 2021

Raphael Varane has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2011. The Frenchman has appeared 360 times for Los Blancos over the past ten seasons, scoring 17 goals as well. That experience could be indispensable for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in his quest for silverware in the upcoming season. Varane has won almost everything on offer with the La Liga giants and his winning mentality will be an asset to the Manchester United locker room.

The Red Devils have held an interest in the Frenchman for a long time, with Sir Alex Ferguson failing in an attempt to bring him to Old Trafford in 2011. Solskjaer is desperate to secure his mentor’s long-standing dream and believes a pairing of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire will help Manchester United fight for the title.

Real Madrid want add-ons worth €10m in Manchester United’s offer for Raphael Varane

 

Raphael Varane could be the ideal partner to Harry Maguire at Manchester United

Real Madrid are willing to accept €40m for the Frenchman, but only if Manchester United agree to pay a further €10m in performance and appearance-related bonuses. Those could include playing a fixed number of games for the Red Devils and his national side, and the number of games he starts, among others.

Manchester United are now back in direct contact with Real Madrid for Raphaël Varane, after opening talks weeks ago. Negotiations on personal terms not an issue. 🔴 #MUFC

Man United confirmed their intention to sign Varane - official bid in once they’ll know Real final position.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2021

While it remains to be seen whether Manchester United are ready to accept Real Madrid’s demands, there’s no denying that Raphael Varane’s arrival at Old Trafford could transform Solskjaer’s fortunes next season.

Manchester United News: Jadon Sancho completes medical ahead of move to Old Trafford

 

Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho has completed his medical ahead of his move to Manchester United, The Express reports. The Red Devils have been hot on the heels of the Borussia Dortmund star for over a year and their efforts have borne fruit this summer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been adamant that the Englishman is the answer to his team’s right-wing problems and perhaps the Norwegian’s persistence has played a part in the deal finally seeing light of day.

Manchester United were close to securing Jadon Sancho’s signature last summer, but negotiations with Borussia Dortmund failed to reach a conclusive end. The Red Devils refused to give in to the Bundesliga side’s exorbitant demands and the Englishman ended up staying in Germany. Solskjaer saw the season out without his number one target, although his team’s over-reliance on the left wing did give a constant reminder of Jadon Sancho’s absence.

However, those days are in the past now, with Manchester United already confirming the Englishman’s arrival earlier this month for a £73m deal. After a disappointing end to Euro 2020, Jadon Sancho is now all set to wear the red of Manchester. The player underwent his medicals at Carrington on Tuesday and no anomalies were reported.

Jadon Sancho #mufc medical complete. Contract 5 years plus option of another 12 months. Doesn't sound like an official annoucement will come today as things stand

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) July 13, 2021

Manchester United are expected to unveil the player soon. Jadon Sancho will sign a five-year deal with the Red Devils, with the option of an additional year. He is expected to be drafted straight into the first team, provided he is match fit after a well deserved holiday.

Manchester United could give Jadon Sancho the No. 7 shirt

Edinson Cavani

 Manchester United had struggled to find a player worthy of wearing the No. 7 shirt since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. It was not until the arrival of Edinson Cavani last summer that the curse was finally lifted. The Uruguayan has been outstanding for the Red Devils, but might have to give up the coveted number for Jadon Sancho.

Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund have signed all paperworks of Jadon Sancho deal - after agreement in principle announced weeks ago. 🔴🤝 #MUFC

Sancho also completed his medical as new Man Utd player. Club preparing the ‘real’ official announcement with new kit. #Sancho

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2021

The Englishman wore the No. 7 for Borussia Dortmund but Manchester United are yet to decide on a shirt number for the 21-year-old. Cavani has extended his stay at Old Trafford for another year and  could be willing to hand over his shirt with his blessings to Jadon Sancho. On the other hand, the Englishman could opt for a different number in his first season and then move on to his favored No. 7 next summer, with the Uruguayan unlikely to stay beyond a year.

Which number should Jadon Sancho wear at Manchester United? Let us know in the comments

3 reasons why Manchester United will secure Champions League football for next season

Solskjaer will be desperate to finish in the top 4 by the end of this season (Image - Sky Sports)

With Premier League football all set to return by the middle of this month, football fans are eagerly waiting in anticipation, ready to get drenched in the agonies and ecstasies of the beautiful game once again. The Coronavirus pandemic has brought the entire world to its knees, while also bringing to a sudden stop a Premier League season which was riddled with talking points. For Manchester United, the stop in play arrived at the worst possible time; they were on a fantastic winning run, they were scoring goals for fun and the team was finally looking like a well-drilled unit. Once the season resumes, United fans will be hoping that their march on the coveted 4th place can resume as well.

With Liverpool all but confirmed as the league leaders, all eyes have turned towards the race for the Champions League places, which have quite a few contenders with still 9 games to play. Chelsea remain at the 4th position, for now, but in reality, Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sheffield United, Tottenham Hotspur, and even Arsenal have realistic chances of finishing among the top 4.

However, the Red Devils could leapfrog the competition and finish in the top 4. Manchester United might have struggled for consistency for the majority this season, but the sky finally looks clearer for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian will be desperate to lead his team out in the premier European football competition next term. In truth, Manchester United are best poised to secure Champions League football for next season, and here are 3 reasons why.

Manchester United target Saul Niguez to reveal new club soon

Saul Niguez (Photo - Getty Images)

Manchester United target Saul Niguez has announced that he will reveal his future destination in 3 days, the Evening Standard reports. The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been a target of the Red Devils in recent times and has long been touted as the future replacement of Paul Pogba. While the coronavirus pandemic has thrown Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s transfer plans out of the window, it is unclear how the summer would pan out. There is no clarity either about the future of Manchester United’s controversial French midfielder.

In such circumstances, a cryptic tweet from Niguez has sent the rumor mill rolling and filled the hearts of every Manchester United fan with hope. On Sunday, the Spaniard shared a mysterious message in his official twitter handle that caught the imagination of fans instantly. The Spaniard announced that he had information to share, revealing that he had something to communicate with his followers, many of whom are Manchester United faithful.

Communication. I wanted to communicate something important to you.

His message also contained an image with the announcement written in both English and Spanish – NEW CLUB. I’ll announce it 3 days…

Manchester United's interest in Niguez might depend on Pogba's future

The Spaniard is one of Diego Simeone’s most important players and was long considered indispensable at the Wanda Metropolitano. However, he has attracted interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal also rumored to be among his suitors and ready to compete with Manchester United for his signature. He has a £135m release clause, but it is believed that he could be available for a price of around £70m. The Atletico manager would loath to lose one the pillars of his team, but it seems like Niguez is destined to leave the club this summer.

Manchester United continue to be the frontrunners for his signature though, however, a lot of that will depend on how the transfer window works out amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Paul Pogba’s next move will also determine the plausibility of the transfer. The arrival of Bruno Fernandes and the temptation of playing alongside the brilliant Portuguese might tempt the former Juventus midfielder to reconsider his stance and stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer. If he decides to stay, Manchester United might no longer have space to fit Niguez into the team.

All of that will be clear in 3 days when the Spaniard makes the big reveal. Until then, fans worldwide will be waiting in anticipation.

Follow Football Mad Daily for more updates on Manchester United.

Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United agree €55m deal to sign the Portuguese from Sporting Lisbon

Bruno Fernandes is coming to Old Trafford

Manchester United have agreed to a deal to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon, Sky Sports reports. The Red Devils were locked in negotiations with the Portuguese side for quite some time, but both clubs had struggled to reach a conclusive point. However, there was a breakthrough in talks on Monday, after the Premier League giants increased their bid.

The player is expected to complete his medical by Thursday and could also be on the stands when Manchester United take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Etihad on Wednesday night.

Barcelona interest proved to be the last straw on the camel’s back

 

Barcelona launched a late bid for the player

The last few days have been a frustrating time for United fans, as it became increasingly likely that the Red Devils would end the transfer window without any reinforcements. To make matters worse, it came to the fore that Barcelona were interested in procuring Fernandes, in order to use the Portuguese to sweeten a bid for Valencia striker Rodrigo. 

And that news might have played a part in United’s increased urgency later in the day. The Premier League giants reportedly increased their offer twice in a space of 24 hours, which tilted the tide in their favor.

The Red Devils will initially pay €55m and quite a few add-ons have also been included in the deal. At least €10m of those add-ons will be relatively easy to achieve and could involve a target number of appearances or goals. However, there are also relatively harder add-ons added in the deal, which includes the probability of Fernandes winning the Ballon d’Or and Manchester United winning the Premier League.

The whole deal would see United pay as much as €80m in case all the criteria are met. However, price should be the least of United’s concerns right now. A player like Fernandes will instantly improve the Red Devils, who could do with his goalscoring and goal creating abilities in the team right now. 

The only regret is that had United been a bit more prudent in their business, maybe Bruno Fernandes would have been fit and ready for the Manchester Derby, instead of watching it from the stands.

Also Read: 3 Reasons why Bruno Fernandes is perfect for ManchesterUnited

Manchester United still unable to agree deal with Sporting Lisbon for Bruno Fernandes | Premier League Transfer News

 

The future of Bruno Fernandes remains uncertain

The Bruno Fernandes saga has started to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of United fans right now. Manchester United had been negotiating with Sporting Lisbon for quite some time regarding a deal to bring the player to Old Trafford, but a breakthrough has not occurred yet, Sky Sports reports. The two clubs, however, are still engaged in conversation as both parties remain eager to conclude a deal before the end of the month.

The Red Devils had initially agreed to a £55m deal, but Sporting had changed their stance two days into negotiations, which had complicated matters. United’s offer included cash plus add-ons and bonuses, plus an option to include a player. 

Also Read: 3 Reasonswhy Bruno Fernandes is perfect for Manchester United

 

However, Sporting wanted more money upfront and had even increased their valuation of the player from the summer. United are still willing to pay £42m, but it is less than what Sporting want for Fernandes.

Super agent Jorge Mendes has recently indicated that United could miss out on the player this month if they delay further, but also revealed that Fernandes will leave Sporting either in January or in the summer.

Sporting need the cash, United need the player

 

Bruno Fernandes has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford

The situation surrounding a potential deal does have a few complications, but the completion of the transfer would suit all parties. Sporting are currently under financial constraints, which means that they are desperate to do business. Selling Fernandes would help them address their monetary issues, but they are holding out for more money in order to deal with agent fees involved.

Manchester United 6-0 Tranmere Rovers: 5 Men who were brilliant for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | F. A. Cup 2019/20 |

Martial and Shaw were impressive for United

Manchester United were looking to bounce back from two back to back defeats when they visited Prenton Park to face Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup 4^th round tie. If United’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool last weekend had dampened the mood at the club, their midweek debacle against Burnley at home threatened to destroy their hopes of a top 4 finish in the Premier League.

Also Read: Marcus Rashford facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been extremely unlucky with injuries this season, however, that still did not justify United’s performance in midweek. As such, the Norwegian was looking for a response from his team against Tranmere, hoping to regain some confidence before two tough games against Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next couple of games.

A frantic month of January, sans any reinforcements, had left the United squad tired and stretched, and Solskjaer made 6 changes to the first team ahead of the game.

Manchester United Starting XI: Sergio Romero; Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw; Nemanja Matic, Andreas Pereira; Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood

The home team started the game well, but it was United who took the lead through Maguire in the 10^th minute. Dalot made it 2-0 3 minutes later and in the 16^th minute, Lingard scored the third goal of the game. Jones scored United’s 4^th of the night in the 41^st minute before Martial scored just before the break to give United a 5-0 advantage.

In the second half, Tahith Chong, coming on for Martial, won a penalty, which was converted by Greenwood. United ultimately went on to win the game 6-0 and

Solskjaer will be delighted with the response from his entire team and here are the 5 players who were brilliant for the Red Devils.

Manchester United's loan offer for midfielder Matias Vecino rejected by Inter Milan | Premier League Transfer News:

Matias Vecino

Inter Milan have rejected Manchester United’s loan offer for Matias Vecino, Sky Sports reports. The Red Devils were negotiating with the Nerazzurri and were interested in taking the Uruguayan midfielder on loan. However, the two clubs have failed to agree to the conditions of the loan deal and as such United’s offer was rejected by the Serie A side.

Also Read: 5 players United could sign in January and their chances of joining the Red Devils

The Red Devils are looking to speed up their transfer business as the month draws to an end. United have already allowed Young to leave for Inter without adding any replacements to the squad. The Red Devils are yet to complete a signing this winter, despite being linked with a host of footballers once again. 

A midfielder remains a priority and United are still locked in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon for the transfer of Bruno Fernandes. Injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay have increased the need for reinforcements in the middle of the park. In such a scenario, Inter Milan’s reluctance to agree to a loan deal for Vecino will be a big setback for the Red Devils.

Vecino could have been a temporary replacement for McTominay and Pogba

 

McTominay and Paul Pogba are still out injured

Vecino joined Inter Milan from Fiorentina in August 2017 and has been an important member of the Nerazzurri squad so far. The Uruguayan could have been a temporary replacement for McTominay and Pogba until the rest of the season. This season, Vecino has appeared 17 times for Antonio Conte’s side and has registered 2 goals and 1 assist as well. 

The Uruguayan’s arrival would have certainly helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s cause, who is struggling to put up teams due to the lack of fit central midfielders at his disposal. Unfortunately, it now looks like their pursuit of Vecino has reached a dead-end for now. 

To make matters worse, the Nerazzurri are apparently attempting to complete a swap deal with Napoli involving the Uruguayan and Allan, Napoli’s Brazilian midfielder.

Also Read: Manchester United cannot recall Alexis Sanchez from Inter loan

Top 5 Players linked with Manchester United in January and assessing the chances of their transfer to Old Trafford this month

Bruno Fernandes

With the January transfer window moving swiftly to the final few days, Manchester United are yet to make a signing, despite being linked to a host of players so far. The Red Devils have already allowed Ashley Young to move to Inter Milan, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not managed to make squad additions so far, which has put the club in a spot of bother.

Traditionally, United have refrained from spending lavishly in the month of January. However, the Red Devils have signed some big names in January in recent times. Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez arrived in the winter transfer window in recent years, but the recruitment of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic in 2006 continues to be the best bit of business done in January.

Also Read: Manchester United trigger 2-year extension clause in Eric Bailly’s contract

It is clear that transfer deals completed in January have an inherent risk associated with them. However, United’s current scenario demands at least a couple of high profile arrivals this month. A midfielder has been missing since the summer, while Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay’s injury has only worsened the situation. Marcus Rashford’s injury probably was the last straw to break the camel’s back at Old Trafford.

Despite United’s surprisingly poor performance in the transfer window so far, there are still quite a few names who have been strongly linked with the Red Devils so far. Today, we take a look at the top 5 players Manchester United are currently linked with and also assess their chances of arriving at Old Trafford before the closure of the winter transfer window.