Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Raphael Varane, Kevin De Bruyne Rumours

Louis van Gaal "has told" Manchester United to pay £30 million to capture Real Madrid's Raphael Varane, according to Ben Jefferson of the Express.

Jefferson suggests the Red Devils boss is keen to outbid Chelsea and Arsenal for the youngster, who continues to play second fiddle to Pepe and Sergio Ramos at the Bernabeu. United plan to "test" Los Blancos' willingness to keep their talented starlet, per Jefferson, and are reportedly willing to spend big to secure his transfer to Old Trafford.

Varane has proven himself at the top level, impressing both for Madrid and France. Carlo Ancelotti has no problem calling on him for cover, but this is a player who is ready to contribute every week. Of the 21-year-old's 20 starts across all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com, many have come due to Pepe's recent injury problems.

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United's defensive needs, which are highlighted here by Squawka, are obvious:

Varane represents everything Van Gaal craves. He is strong, athletic, dominant in the air and quick across the ground. He is also a natural player of the ball, someone who is capable of coolly relieving pressure with a smart pass.

Varane currently enjoys a pass accuracy of 90.8 percent for the season, so he could slot into the 3-5-2 formation Van Gaal insisted upon this early in the campaign.

The player would certainly break into United's starting lineup. B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Sam Tighe recently discussed Van Gaal's best XI at present:

Varane previously dismissed rumours suggesting he wished to leave due to a lack of playing time, per Jefferson: "That is a lie, I always say the same thing. Competition is important for the team to improve. I like the competition and anything else is lies."

Interestingly, Jefferson believes the player has "jumped ahead" of Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin on Van Gaal's list of targets. Each of these investments have the ability to dramatically improve United's chances of success, though it's debatable any could do it on their own.

United's season is also lacking due to limited creativity in forward areas. David Wright of the Express believes the club are "keeping tabs" on Wolfsburg star Kevin De Bruyne, who moved to the Bundesliga in January 2014 after receiving few chances to impress with Chelsea.

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De Bruyne admits he is happy at the German club, yet will eventually look to move away, per Wright:

"

I feel very much at home with VfL Wolfsburg in this very moment. I am able to sign a new contract with Wolfsburg. Life in football can be fast moving. Football is much about money. Wolfsburg is not yet like Bayern Munich, of course. And my biggest ambition is to come out for a big European club. One I can win trophies with. As much trophies as possible.

"

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

United cannot be considered consistent trophy contenders right now—the FA Cup remains their only possibility for the season—but players like De Bruyne could make an impact. He patrols behind the forward line, carving open chances for his strikers to move in on goal.

The Belgian has netted 11 and assisted 15 in 29 matches across the Bundesliga and Europa League, per WhoScored.com, making him a tempting prospect. Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs knows the second-place side risk losing him if they don't qualify for the Champions League, per Wright:

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We must be careful, Kevin could leave if there is no qualification for the next Champions League. All the interested clubs are watching, but one thing is certain. If they want Kevin they will have to deep dig in their pockets to find the necessary funds.

"

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United are likely to spend big in the summer, whether they qualify for the Champions League or not. The side are currently one point clear in fourth, but face an extremely difficult Premier League run in. Across the final 12 games, United will meet Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal.

Landing in fourth could make or break whether players such as Varane or De Bruyne are a real possibility. The next couple of months are likely to be huge for United, and indeed, Van Gaal's future at the club.