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- William Pugh7 minutes ago LOAN RANGER Old Trafford outcast Donny van de Beek could have a pivotal role in Manchester United’s bid to land Raphael Varane, writes PHIL THOMAS. 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.
- William Pugh53 minutes ago DEL ME IN Former Manchester United target Dele Alli has blamed himself for his Tottenham exile instead of criticising former manager Jose Mourinho. The 25-year-old started just twice under the Special One in the Premier League during the 2020-21 campaign. In the 32 top-flight outings Mourinho was in charge for prior to his dismissal, Dele played just 233 minutes of football. That is a stark contrast to his game time under interim head coach Ryan Mason,
- where he featured in 385 minutes having started the final five games of the season. But despite not getting a look in under the Portuguese gaffer, Dele has refused to blame Mourinho as he insisted he enjoyed working with him. He told Goal: “The only person I blame is myself. I should be performing at a level where it is difficult to not put me in the team or not play me. “I don’t blame anyone but myself. Working with Mourinho was a great experience and one I learned a lot from.”
Van de Beek is thought to be a target for the Spanish club, who are willing to pay a £2m loan fee, as well as all of his wages, in addition to an option to buy next summer.
Arsenal have also been linked with the Dutchman but the midfielder is more likely to be interested in moving to Madrid, who tried to sign him before United snapped him up for £35m last year.
If United do accept Real’s loan offer for van de Beek, it is believed it will help them to seal Varane’s signature. While the Frenchman is thought to have agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, there is some dispute over the transfer fee.
Varane’s asking price varies depending on what report you read, with valuations ranging from €50m to €80m, but Real are likely to be more amenable to letting the defender leave for a reasonable figure if they can sign van de Beek.
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in Varane so any advantage that United can get in the race to secure the 28-year-old’s signature could be crucial.
