Man Utd Fail With £29m Bid For Unsettled International Defender

The opening of the summer transfer window is fast approaching so we’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around the globe. Today, Man Utd are linked with Raphael Varane…

Manchester United have seen an opening £29m (€38m) offer knocked back by Real Madrid for centre-back Raphael Varane, according to AS.

Jose Mourinho is widely expected to be announced as Louis van Gaal replacement after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday with the Mirror reporting that the Portuguese coach is close to agreeing a £15m-a-year deal after meeting with United officials on Tuesday.

It looks like the so-called ‘Special One’ has already started working on bringing in his transfer targets as Spanish outlet AS claim that Mourinho instructed United chiefs to put forward a £29m (€38m) offer for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

The report – which cites Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport as their source – suggests that Madrid have rejected the approach and made it clear to the Red Devils that Varane is not for sale this summer.

However, there could yet be hope of a deal for United as AS claim that Varane is unsettled at the Bernabeu after falling behind Pepe and Sergio Ramos in Zinedine Zidane’s pecking order.

The French international recently admitted that he’s not happy at losing his place and questioned his importance to the team after Zidane left him on the bench for key Champions League games against Wolfsburg and Manchester City.

He’s quoted as saying by the Mirror:

“Until November I played nearly every game, it’s also true that I made a few uncharacteristic mistakes but, over the whole of the season, you can’t fixate on this. There have been loads of positives.

“It’s true that I would have liked to play the season’s decisive games, especially in the Champions League, but these are the manager’s decisions.”

“After five years in Madrid I hope to be able to overcome some obstacles. I feel this is a crucial moment.

“I think a player has to develop and feel that they are important.”

“I try to work hard every day and progress. I know the qualities I have and what I am capable of.”

If Mourinho does make his expected move to Old Trafford a centre-back is likely to be a priority as Daley Blind has filled-in alongside Chris Smalling this season with Phil Jones suffering from a lack of form and fitness, and the former Chelsea boss knows Varane well from their time together in Spain.

Mourinho was in charge at Madrid when they signed Varane five years ago and it looks as though he’s keen to be reunited at Old Trafford – although the 23-year-old is probably going to have to force the La Liga giants hands by demanding a move.

READ MORE –> Man Utd transfer news

Varane would be a sensational signing if United could pull it off this summer as he’s no doubt one of the best young defenders in world football and he’d be the type of player Mourinho could build his new-look side around next season.