Manchester United’s €45m opening bid for Raphael Varane turned down by Real Madrid

Real Madrid have turned down the opening bid of Manchester United for Raphael Varane, according to AS.

The Red Devils have mad the 28-year-old their top defensive target this summer.

And they looked close to securing a deal after the defender agreed personal terms.

However, the latest reports suggest that signing Varane could be difficult for United.

The Premier League outfit made a €45 million bid, but Los Blancos are holding out for €70m.

Varane’s current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu is set to expire next year but they are still unwilling to sanction a cut-price deal.

Since moving to the Santiago Bernabeu he has made 360 appearances across all competitions, bagging 17 goals and seven assists.

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United have been long-term admirers of the talented centre-back.

They were interested in signing him from Lens in 2011.

Now that they are close to securing a deal, the Red Devils should do everything possible to land their target.

It will be hard for United to find a defender as gifted as Varane who boasts plenty of La Liga and Champions League experience.

The Red Devils need a strong partner for Harry Maguire – Varane fits the bill perfectly.