Manchester United want to complete sensationsal swap deal with Real Madrid

Real Madrid have turned down Manchester United’s initial offer to swap Paul Pogba for Raphael Varane, but talks could reignite quickly. 

Paul Pogba could add youth and athleticism to Real Madrid’s aging midfield. Raphael Varane could provide much-needed stability to Manchester United’s back line. That’s why both clubs are entertaining the idea of swapping the two French internationals for one another this summer.

Reports from AS claim that Real Madrid have turned down United’s initial offer for a straight swap. The situation surrounding both players is complicated by the reality that each star only has one year remaining on his existing contract. Both will be looking for big wages in any potential extension.

Pogba’s future wage demands are probably the reason why Real Madrid elected to turn down the initial swap deal. Even the Spanish giants have some financial concerns on the heels of last year’s global pandemic. Offering a multi-year deal extension to Pogba that might smash the club’s existing wage structure would not be financially prudent for Los Blancos.

Varane, in sharp contrast, should be an affordable new contract for United to sign. Defenders simply don’t command the same premium as midfielders and goal-scoring attackers in the modern game. United would have viewed the swap as a way to reduce their wages moving forward.

So what will Manchester United do now?

Don’t look for Ed Woodward and company to make any sudden movements. The club aren’t desperate to offload Pogba. They’ll only part with him a year early in a transaction that provides them significant benefit.

They should, however, come back to Real Madrid with an improved offer in the coming weeks. Landing Varane would fill one of the club’s biggest weaknesses of the summer. United should be willing to throw in upwards of £20 million to get the deal done. Remember, the club can save money in both the short and long term by offloading Pogba’s current and future wage packet.

That still might not be enough to tempt Real Madrid to pull the trigger on the sensational swap, but United have other options when it comes to leveraging Pogba this summer. Swapping him for Varane is a good idea, but it’s not the only possible beneficial solution for the higher-ups at Old Trafford.