Liverpool keen on Man Utd-linked star as pressure to sell ramps up

Liverpool have registered interest in Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane in their hunt to make a top defensive summer signing, a report has claimed.

The Reds have suffered a nightmare with injuries at the back this season, with all three senior central defenders out.

What’s more, chief stand-ins Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have encountered problems; captain Henderson will only return in April after undergoing surgery on a groin issue.

As such, January addition Ozan Kabak has proved crucial, while fellow signing Ben Davies has yet to play. However, there is reportedly a belief among Liverpool chiefs over the need for another big summer signing.

According to AS, Madrid’s Varane has recently entered their radar.

The Frenchman, who signed for Madrid in 2011 from Lens, made his 350th Los Blancos appearance on Wednesday.

That came as his 31st outing of the season, with the 27-year-old only missing one LaLiga game so far this season.

Indeed, AS points out that Varane is in one of the best moments in his career after pondering an exit from the Spanish capital in 2019.

Since then, Manchester United have been linked with a swoop among other clubs.

However, uncertainty has returned with the player’s contract running out next summer. Madrid have opened talks over an extension, but they have so far proved fruitless.

As such, should his situation remain the same in June, Los Blancos will listen to offers for him.

After returning to his best form following his exit considerations, Madrid slapped a €500million asking price on Varane.

But his situation has drastically changed with his contract running down and the club want to make a good sale if he is to leave.

Therefore, they would be willing to accept around €70million (£60.7million) for his services.

Varane could follow similar path to Alaba

Varane’s situation could prove similar to that of Bayern Munich centre-back David Alaba, who – like the Frenchman – has been at his club for the best part of his career.

What’s more, Austrian Alaba is only one year older than Varane and has made 417 outings for Bayern.

However, unlike his French counterpart, he has already made the firm decision to move on in the summer.

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