Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen on a reunion with France international Raphael Varane, who is presently in the ranks of Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old worked in close quarters with the Portuguese tactician after he was recruited for Real Madrid during the summer of 2011, and though the 55-year-old has moved on, the pair have continued to share a good relationship off the field.
According to The Mirror, Mourinho has his sights on renewing his interest in Varane, who was first on United’s radar seven years ago. The former Lens graduate has not had the best of seasons in the Spanish capital this term, and it is suggested that Los Blancos are prepared to sanction his sale.
The European champions are presently holding out for a package of £50m for the Frenchman, but Mourinho is hopeful that United can negotiate a fee of around £40m for the three-time Champions League winner.
Varane’s style of play has excelled in recent seasons due to his excellent concentration and ability to win aerial duels, and though the qualities have not come to display this term, he remains a top addition for any elite club.
Mourinho has yet to find the perfect combination at the heart of the defence, and Varane could be seen as a player, who could seamlessly slot in alongside Eric Bailly, who is undoubtedly United’s standout centre-back.
The arrival of a new centre-back is likely to raise doubts over the futures of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling with the pair prone to defensive mistakes, which were evident during the outings at Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United earlier in the year.
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