Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Raphael Varane, Ander Herrera Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly marked out Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane as their No. 1 target for next summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils were expected to bolster the centre of their defence in the most recent window but failed to make any additions at the position despite their attempts to sign Real's Sergio Ramos.

As a result, 22-year-old Varane has apparently been picked out as next year's major target after United opted against a bid for the Frenchman in the summer, per French outlet le10sport (h/t James Whaling in the Mirror).

Los Blancos president Florentino Perez recently revealed United enquired about Varane—along with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale—in the summer in an interview on Spanish radio station Cadena SER (covered by ABC via Sport Witness).

It seems the interest in Varane from the Red Devils is genuine, and rightly so, as he would be a terrific addition to Louis van Gaal's squad.

According to Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe, United's activity in the recent transfer window was far from disastrous, but he believes their failure to add a new centre-back could come back to haunt them:

The current central-defensive pairing of Chris Smalling and an out-of-position Daley Blind looks passable, but it is unlikely to be a long-term option at Old Trafford.

However, the prospect of a Smalling-Varane axis is an exciting one. Both are young and still improving, but they have also both shown great potential and could fill the centre-back roles at United for years to come.

Varane will not come cheap as he is contracted at the Bernabeu until 2020. But United have shown recently they are prepared to shell out big money, and the France international could well be worth the outlay.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Ander Herrera was the first big signing of the Van Gaal era back in the summer of 2014, and despite recent rumours linking him with a move to Spain, it seems the midfielder is going nowhere.

According to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, the Old Trafford outfit has received no enquiries about the 26-year-old despite recent reports about interest from Valencia and Barcelona.

The summer arrivals of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin provided greater competition in the centre of midfield for Herrera.

But as he proved  during hisexcellent debut season, he has much to offer Van Gaal, particularly going forward, per the Guardian's Daniel Harris:

Furthermore, Herrera himself seems very much dedicated to the United cause and did not sound like a player looking for a way out in a recent interview with Inside United (h/t the club's website):

"

Last season was the first with the new staff and a lot of new players like me but, now, we have no excuses. We have to fight for everything. We are going to try to win every game. When I see the millions of supporters we have, I just think we cannot be fourth in the league, we have to be higher. It's a very exciting season and we will be fighting for everything.

"

Very much a fan favourite, the United faithful will be delighted to hear Herrera is so committed to the club.

Meanwhile, the fact Varane is reportedly a key target should also buoy United fans, as his addition would see the Red Devils edge ever closer to becoming one of Europe's top teams once again.