Manchester United Transfer News: Raphael Varane PSG Battle Expected, Top Rumours

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain will reportedly battle it out in order to land Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.

Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) suggests that while Los Blancos are not keen on selling the 22-year-old, PSG and United each have the financial muscle to prise him away.

It’s noted in the piece that should it come down to a straight fight between the two potential suitors, then the French champions would be the favourites to land Varane.

During his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, the centre-back has cemented a reputation as one of the finest young players in Europe.

Here’s a look at some of his best moments in a Real Madrid shirt:

For both United and PSG, Varane would represent a major coup. He’s the blueprint for how the modern centre-back should play the game, amalgamating stunning athleticism and physicality with a calmness and composure on the ball. But what sets the France international apart from most is his ability to assess situations and make smart decisions.

As we can see here courtesy of OptaJean, he’s a player who has cemented his place at the base of his national team as of late, too:

That’s not something he did at Real Madrid initially, with a lack of regular opportunities due to the success of the Sergio Ramos-Pepe partnership.

However, this season the Frenchman has started all but one of Los Blancos’ fixtures, helping forge a defensive shape that has often looked impenetrable.

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From a defensive perspective, it’s certainly been an impressive start for new manager Rafael Benitez, per La Liga en nume10s (h/t football journalist Phil Kitromilides):

Given how significant Varane now is to this Real Madrid team, it’s hugely unlikely that he’ll be sold.

For United, who still look a little short in some defensive areas, it’d be a stunning capture, but for the time being, the Frenchman playing for anyone other than the La Liga giants is a hugely fanciful prospect.

Rio Ferdinand Doubts Cristiano Ronaldo Return

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Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has suggested there is little chance of Cristiano Ronaldo moving to Old Trafford in the near future.

According to David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror, United and PSG are keen on signing the Portuguese sensation in what’d be a £90 million deal.

However, speaking with BreatheSport (h/t Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star), Ferdinand implied those at Old Trafford shouldn’t get their hopes up about a potential reunion:

"

The biggest thing about it is that he is competing to win the league and Champions League every year.

The Champions League is his holy grail.

Does he seem himself doing that at Man United immediately? He doesn’t have time to waste. He hasn’t got time for a transitional period.

So that ends the conversation.

"

Clive Mason/Getty Images

After becoming Real Madrid’s all-time record goalscorer recently, there’s little else for Ronaldo to accomplish in the iconic white strip. Therefore, it’d be no surprise if the 30-year-old did decide to take on a new challenge, whether that be in the Premier League, Ligue 1 or further afield.

Still, as we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, Ronaldo remains an attacking force of nature at the very top level:

As an ex-team-mate, Ferdinand is a player who will have a greater insight than most into the way in which Ronaldo’s mind works. Overall, he makes some strong points on why it’s unlikely he will come back to Old Trafford again. Still, those United fans who continue to sing his name on matchdays will remain hopeful.

If Ronaldo is looking for a new challenge that he’d be handsomely paid for, then PSG would be an exciting opportunity.

However, Real Madrid would find it extremely difficult to fill the goalscoring void that’d be left should the Portuguese set off for pastures new, making any purchase of the forward very difficult indeed for potential suitors.