United To Raid Real Madrid?

Despite the transfer window being closed there is still plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Man Utd are linked with Raphael Varane.

Manchester United are monitoring Real Madrid’s highly-rated defender Raphael Varane ahead of a potential summer swoop, according to the Daily Star.

The report claims United missed out on the signing of the 19-year-old when he elected to join Madrid from Lens in 2011 but it seems Sir Alex Ferguson has set his sights on luring him to Old Trafford this summer.

Varane has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising defenders after breaking into the Madrid first team this season and is now seen as a regular in Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven – keeping Portuguese international Pepe on the bench.

The France international started both Champions League ties against United this year and the Star claim Sir Alex has sent scouts to watch the centre-back on several occasions this season with a view to a summer move.

The newspaper suggests Real have been made aware of United’s interest and with the players contract understood to include a £26m release clause, the Spanish giants are keen to open talks over a fresh deal that would see him tie his long-term future to the club as well as vastly increase his buy-out figure.

Fergie is expected to be on the look-out for defensive reinforcements this summer due to concerns over the long-term fitness of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and there aren’t many better prospects about than Varane. However, it seems United may have to dig deep if they’re to lure the impressive Frenchman to Old Trafford any time soon.

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