Transfer Rumour: Manchester United reignite Raphael Varane interest

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in signing French international Raphael Varane from Real Madrid this summer.

 

According to a report by TransferMarketWeb, Jose Mourinho is keen on reuniting with Raphael Varane in the summer transfer window. The Portuguese manager has instructed Manchester United to pursue a move for the Real Madrid defender, as he looks to bolster his backline.

The Manchester United boss was the manager at Real Madrid when the French international was signed from Lens in the summer of 2011. Since then, Varane has progressed remarkably, and is now regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.

This summer has seen the 25-year-old add another feather to his cap after winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France. A stunning campaign has also seen him make the list of Top 10 nominees for the FIFA Player of the Year award. While he has gone from strength to strength at Real Madrid, Manchester United are looking to provide Varane a new challenge.

The Red Devils hold a long-standing interest in the French international, having made several attempts to sign him previously. But, up until now, Varane had not been one of the priority central defensive targets for Manchester United.

Recent reports had suggested that Manchester United were favouring a move for Harry Maguire, who has hinted towards a possible switch himself recently. But, in Varane, Mourinho will undoubtedly have an upgrade, not just over Maguire but all of the centre-backs he currently has at his disposal.

In possibly signing Varane, the Manchester United boss will also have added another leader to his squad. The French international will also bring a winning mentality that the Red Devils have so desperately been craving for, thereby providing a solid base for a possible Premier League title tilt in the upcoming season.

However, swooping Varane away from Real Madrid will be a tall order as Los Blancos view him as their own long-term defensive solution while also potentially being a future club captain. But, Mourinho will hope to tempt the player with the prospect of a new challenge while reuniting with his mentor.

This still looks like a deal that could be tough for Manchester United to pull off. While they have the financial might to land Varane, persuading Real Madrid to sell the French international will be another obstacle altogether. For now, the likes of Maguire and Toby Alderweireld seem like more realistic targets.