Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Raphael Varane, Romelu Lukaku Rumours

Manchester United have asked Real Madrid whether centre-back Raphael Varane is available for transfer, according to J.L. Calderon of Marca.

Calderon believes the question came amid negotiations for United stopper David De Gea:

"

During one of the meetings between representatives of the two clubs over David de Gea, the talks took an unexpected turn. To the surprise of Real Madrid, the English contingent changed the focus of the conversation. "And is Raphael Varane for sale?" More important than exactly how the question was phrased, what matters is that it was asked.

"

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Madrid's "categorical" response was that the 22-year-old "is not for sale and there is absolutely no way that they are going to sit down and negotiate a deal for him," per Calderon. He would be a top-quality addition for Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal, who must improve United's defence during the summer.

Varane is a confident individual, someone who has already performed well at the top level. He played an important role in the 2014 Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid and also enjoyed time in the French defence at last year's World Cup.

He is an observant, physically dominating player whose turn of pace often provides Madrid with a crucial last line of defence, although his poor positioning has a tendency to force him into a sprint. Varane would make an interesting partner for Chris Smalling, who enjoyed a decent run of form toward the end of the season just gone and is becoming more confident with the ball at his feet.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

However, it's likely Madrid know they can just wait the De Gea situation out. The Spanish 'keeper has shown no sign of inking a new Old Trafford deal and is available to move for free next summer. Madrid don't need to include Varane in an agreement to get their man.

United turn to Lukaku?

Van Gaal's summer goal should be to add top quality across the board. Alongside a new centre-back, adding a fresh striking option will be key. According to the Sun (h/t James Whaling of the Mirror), Everton's Romelu Lukaku could be that man.

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

The Belgian moved to the Toffees for a hefty £28 million last summer and scored 10 Premier League goals thereafter. His battering-ram style would provide United with a target man to hit up top, and there's no doubt he could form an effective partnership with Wayne Rooney.

Even so, Everton boss Roberto Martinez is unlikely to accept a loss on his investment after one year. United would have to pay extortionate money to lure the former Chelsea starlet. He is proven in the Premier League—he once scored a hat-trick against United—but he's prone to flitting in and out of matches with bouts of laziness. Right now, Lukaku isn't the complete player United need to lead their line.

B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson recently looked at questions Van Gaal will have to answer during the transfer window:

Varane would be an excellent addition to any elite squad. It seems unlikely new Madrid boss Rafa Benitez will sanction his exit, especially as Sergio Ramos and Pepe head toward the twilight of their careers.

As for Lukaku, too much of a commitment is needed to bring him to Old Trafford. Everton arguably overpaid for him last summer, and after a decent season, his next cost is likely to be even more inflated.

The 22-year-old is immensely talented and has the natural tools to become a global star, but his transfer would be underwhelming with the Red Devils' current needs in mind.