Manchester United Transfer News: Raphael Varane Summer Bid Prepared, Top Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly already planning their moves for next summer's transfer window with Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane a key target.

The Red Devils were expected to bolster their central defence in the most recent window but will have to now progress with Daley Blind and Chris Smalling after missing out on targets Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi.

While such a solution may work in the short term, Varane is seemingly being lined up as a future Old Trafford centre-back. The Sunday Times (h/t James Orr in the Independent) reported that United will bid for the Frenchman in 2016.

Varane is not even halfway through a six-year contract at the Bernabeu and the 22-year-old will likely demand a substantial transfer fee if and when United do go in for him.

Real president Florentino Perez recently revealed that the defender was among a number of Los Blancos players targeted by United in the summer window, per Spanish outlet Cadena Ser (h/t Goal.com's Miles Chambers): "We know that United showed interest in [Gareth] Bale, [Karim] Benzema and Varane."

Per Jason Burt in the Telegraph, United have not given up hope of signing Bale, but Varane does look to be a more realistic target from Real Madrid.

Los Blancos had a fairly lacklustre time of it in the summer window, not bringing in any new headline signings, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

As a result the likes of Bale and Benzema are unlikely to be seen as dispensable even next summer, but it could be a different scenario with Varane if he fails to hold down a first-team spot.

The France international was not a consistent starter last term as he had to contend with Sergio Ramos and Pepe.

He will likely be given opportunities under new manager Rafael Benitez, but if he cannot make himself invaluable at the Bernabeu, United may be able to snap him up next year.

Varane is a hugely talented defender and will only improve with greater experience.

Although he will be highly valued by Real, United have shown in recent times that they are prepared to splash the cash, and Varane could well be worth a significant outlay as the central defence at Old Trafford still looks vulnerable.