Manchester United Transfer News: Raphael Varane and Zakaria Bakkali Targeted

Louis van Gaal will reportedly look to capitalise on the uncertain futures of several young stars in 2015 after it emerged that Raphael Varane and Zakaria Bakkali are among those being targeted by Manchester United.

The Red Devils' interest in Varane has intensified after the Frenchman hinted at his frustrations at Real Madrid, per Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star: "It's different with the national team. I get more minutes and have more responsibility in the team. The aim is to reach the same level of involvement in the club."

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Varane is regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects in world football, but Carlo Ancelotti has preferred the partnership of Sergio Ramos and Pepe in his back line.

Despite featuring as second fiddle to that pair, the 21-year-old has still made his way onto the shortlist for FIFA's FIFPro World XI, per ESPN FC's Jonathan Johnson:

Cross goes on to write that Varane holds an asking price of £30 million, which promises to test just how serious United are about strengthening in central defence.

The club signed Marcos Rojo this past summer following the exits of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but the Argentinian has since joined Phil Jones and Jonny Evans on the club's injury list.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is another to have recently been linked with an Old Trafford switch. Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wilson and Ryan Bailey recently dissected just how badly the club needs a centre-back of such pedigree:

Closer to Van Gaal's attack, soon-to-be out-of-contract winger Bakkali may become a higher priority for the former Netherlands boss after showing some intent to leave his current surroundings.

Bakkali has been demoted to PSV Eindhoven's reserves after showing no desire to pen a new contract with the side, per the Mail Online's Simon Jones, and the Belgian would be available on a pre-contract in January.

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Alternatively, Van Gaal's side could launch a bid for his services in the coming transfer window, but the prospect of signing the 18-year-old on a free is undoubtedly more appetising.

However, United aren't the only interested party. Inside La Liga reports that Atletico Madrid will offer competition with a cut-price move of their own:

Now that he's adopted a back four, wingers have become more commonplace in Van Gaal's lineups of late, and Bakkali could find himself competing with international team-mate Adnan Januzaj should he complete an Old Trafford switch.

Rated as one of the Eredivisie's most up-and-coming stars, there's bound to be increasing interest in the winger's name over the coming months, adding a touch of urgency to United's hunt for his services.