Manchester United have made an approach for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane in a bid to strengthen their back four for the 2016/17 campaign.
This was boosted by the news that Jose Mourinho will take charge as the manager at Old Trafford. He is set to Louis van Gaal as the Red Devils' new manager, despite the latter winning the FA Cup last weekend, following United's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
According to Corriere dello Sport via Calciomercato, the Premier League giants have made a €28m bid for Varane who has worked under the Portuguese manager during his time at the Spanish capital.
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Before Varane joined the 10-time European champions, United were also after his services. However, he snubbed the English outfit to join Real. Now that he is at Real, Varane has been struggling to get regular playing time.
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With Spain international Sergio Ramos and Pepe being the first choice central defending pair at the Santiago Bernabéu, Varane has struggled to cement his position in the starting XI. The Frenchman has started only 23 league matches in the 2015-16 season and has expressed concern over the lack of appearances in big matches, particularly the Champions League fixtures.
Lack of playing time worrying Varane
"Up until November, I played practically every match. It's also fair to say that I did make a few mistakes which I don't normally make," Varane told AFP, as quoted by Goal.com.
"But looking back over the season as a whole, there's no point in focusing on that - it's outweighed by the positive things which happened.
"It's true that I would have liked to have been a part of more decisive games at the end of the season - especially in the Champions League.
"After five years at Real Madrid, I hope I am able to overcome any kind of obstacle. I feel I'm at a crucial point in my career.
"I think all players need to feel as though they are developing - it's important to feel you are making progress and that's something I aim to do every day. I am aware of what qualities I have and what I am capable of."
Varane has been gathering interest from top clubs across Europe and United are also in the race for his signature. Mourinho's expected arrival at Old Trafford has only made teh Red Devils firm favourites for his signature.
Should Real defender leave the La Liga giants and move to United, it will boost their central defending position for the next season.
