Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Raphael Varane, Victor Valdes, More

Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal is ready to shake up both ends of his squad. The Old Trafford gaffer will target Raphael Varane and Victor Valdes for help at the back.

Meanwhile, a possible move for striker Edinson Cavani may not seem so far-fetched, given the Dutchman's recent comments regarding misfiring Robin van Persie.

Van Gaal Ready to Drop Van Persie

It's fair to say Van Persie hasn't quite been himself for some time at United. After bagging 26 goals to fire the Red Devils to the Premier League title in 2012/13, the ex-Arsenal talisman has gone stale.

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Now Van Gaal is ready to ditch his countryman, per BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone:

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You can count his touches on the ball and 13 is few for a striker...

You know how strikers are. They feel they have to score goals.

But more important is how he is playing. It was a very bad game for him. That is why I changed him.

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The game Van Gaal was referring to was United's recent 2-1 win over the Gunners. It was a game where a marginalised Van Persie gave way to 18-year-old James Wilson.

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It's hard to blame Van Gaal for seeking alternatives. Van Persie is incredibly talented, but you wouldn't know it from his recent numbers.

He's scored just three league goals so far this term, per Who Scored. He only managed 12 in all competitions last season, according to the same source.

Van Persie's struggles could make a potential move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Cavani a more realistic proposition. United have been linked with a £50 million bid to lure Cavani from the French capital, after being left unconvinced by mega-money loanee Radamel Falcao, per Daily Express reporter David Wright:

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According to reports in France, United have instead set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani due to Falcao's fitness concerns.

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The Red Devils' change of heart has put PSG on red alert, and the Ligue 1 champions are willing to offload Cavani in order to land Falcao.

United are long-term admirers of the Uruguay international and boss Louis van Gaal is reportedly readying a £50m move for his services next summer.

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Waiting for next summer won't help United's current bid to return to relevance in the top echelons of the Premier League. However, the Reds can still count on Wayne Rooney's brilliance, as well as Wilson's rapid development.

As a towering target man combining power and surprising technical craft, Cavani would be worth the wait.

United may choose not to wait to wrap up a deal for veteran stopper Valdes. The decorated former Barcelona goalkeeper had been training with the Red Devils.

However, any hopes of a prospective deal appeared to be dashed by news that Valdes broke off that arrangement, per Eurosport:

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United manager Louis van Gaal expressed interest in signing the Spanish international as back up to David de Gea, saying at the time: 'Manchester United always has their eyes open.'

But a deal now looks unlikely after Valdes left United on Friday.

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But it seems the possibility of adding Valdes is still alive. That's according to Catalan publication Sport (h/t Sport Witness):

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The gist appears to be that Valdes' legal action against AS Monaco is reaching a crucial point. Neither the goalkeeper or Monaco want it to have to actually get to court but that does not mean proceedings are agreeable, far from it.

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Being on a good new deal would weaken Valdes' position for compensation, because the harm done to the player wouldn't look so huge if he were suddenly a Manchester United player. In addition to that, Sport say that Valdes wanted some time out for the legal proceedings and also something of a break.

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The report concludes by stating United could still sign Valdes in January, but the decision could hinge on David De Gea extending his current deal.

United certainly need quality cover behind De Gea. The 24-year-old has become a major star between the posts after initially struggling in the Premier League.

His value was made clear following the most recent international break. De Gea had sustained an injury training with Spain, but he was rushed back to face Arsenal. He was named Man of the match after frustrating the Gunners.

Having Valdes in reserve would provide a safeguard over De Gea's future. He has previously been linked with La Liga and UEFA Champions League giants Real Madrid.

Speaking of Los Blancos, United are keen on one of the club's best prospects. Daily Star reporter Alex Harris claims the Red Devils will battle Arsenal for brilliant young centre-back Raphael Varane:

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Varane is wanted by former boss Jose Mourinho at Chelsea while Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is also a fan.

However, Arsene Wenger's determination to strengthen his defence in January has seen the Frenchman look at his compatriot.

It has been suggested that Varane could cost as little as £19m while other sources indicate that Real want at least £30m for the starlet.

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Harris contends Varane is unhappy spending time on the bench at Madrid, behind veteran pairing Pepe and Sergio Ramos. Still just 21, landing Varane would represent a major coup, even for a club of United's stature. Van Gaal's squad certainly needs quality reinforcements at the back.

He's had injury problems with Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo. Varane would certainly fix any woes in the United defence. He's quick, powerful and decisive.

Despite not being able to offer Champions League football, at least for this season, United haven't had trouble luring top players. They signed Falcao, Rojo, Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Daley Blind. Every member of that quintet was ticketed to appear in Europe's premier club competition this season.

However, Van Gaal doesn't have the French connection Arsenal boss and Varane's fellow countryman Arsene Wenger can boast. Meanwhile, Chelsea gaffer Jose Mourinho gave Varane his chance at Madrid.

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There's also the not-so-small matter of the young Frenchman signing a new six-year contract just over two months ago. Contracts don't count for a lot in modern football, but this one could put Varane temporarily out of United's reach.

The latest transfer rumours involving United prove one thing: Van Gaal is far from finished revamping his squad. He is clearly prepared to make tough choices regarding established figures such as Van Persie.

But his ambition to restore the Old Trafford club to its former and considerable glories is evidenced by interest in a player with the calibre of Varane.