According to the
Daily Star, Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane in hope of tempting him to an Old Trafford move this summer. Raphael Varane, 19, has established himself as a strong defender for Real Madrid, something that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson missed out on when Madrid swooped in for the defender from Lens in 2011. Whilst Varane is under contract until 2017 he does however has release clause of £26 million. Manchester United may be comparatively struggling in financial terms but the turnover due to sponsors is the best in the league, something which will only improve as United continue to take advantage of their assets. With Manchester United close to securing their 20th league title and with Madrid falling short to FC Barcelona yet again, Real fear that United could make a move, and be successful, and are willing to offer the player a new deal before United make a swoop to raise his release fee. United could take real advantage of this situation, especially considering that Varane is hoping to change his agent and join up with the agent of his manager Jose Mourinho and teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, which may complicate matters with the new contract. The French international has made 27 appearances for Real Madrid this season, which proves at the age of 19 he can play football at the highest level. United have been heavily linked with a variety of players already this year and if The Red Devils secure the likes of Varane,
Radamel Falcao and
Ezequiel Garay (who the Star also link) they could once again get to a Champions League final and potentially win the tournament.