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Report: United deterred from costly Varane, Trippier pursuits

Denis Doyle / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Manchester United's summer search for reinforcements at the back might be forced to abandon a pair of pursuits in the Spanish capital.

Potential moves for Real Madrid center-back Raphael Varane and Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier have reportedly proved too rich for United, sources told ESPN FC's Mark Ogden.

Varane is entering the final year of his contract with Real amid speculation that the French World Cup winner is seeking a new challenge, but there's no indication yet that the 28-year-old has told the club he won't pen new terms, per Ogden.

Despite United's long-term interest in Varane, Real value him at more than £70 million, a steep fee for a player with one year left on his deal. Real are also resistant to losing their first-choice central defensive pairing after Sergio Ramos announced he's leaving the club on a free transfer this summer.

United reportedly have no interest in Ramos.

Elsewhere in Madrid, former Tottenham Hotspur full-back Trippier is keen on returning to the Premier League following two seasons with Atletico, though that might be easier said than done.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone is reportedly unwilling to let Trippier depart, especially as the fiery touchline tactician's faith in Sime Vrsaljko wains.

Atletico also want no less than £30 million for Trippier, 30, an amount United reportedly view as too high considering his age and lack of potential sell-on value.

United are willing to shell out for squad upgrades this summer, though there are fears of bloated transfer fees for Premier League sides amid a consensus that they've financially weathered pandemic-related revenue losses better than Europe's biggest leagues.

Should United determine that fees for Varane and Trippier are too high, Norwich City full-back Max Aarons and Villarreal central defender Pau Torres are among the reported alternatives.

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