Manchester United Transfer News: Raphael Varane Targeted in Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly considering making a summer move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

Jose Mourinho wants to strengthen his defence, and according to David McDonnell at the Mirror, Madrid are willing to allow the France international to leave for £50 million.

Manchester United would rather pay £40 million and are also said to be interested in Tottenham Hotspur's Toby Alderweireld and Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti.

The Red Devils spent £31 million on Victor Lindelof last summer, but the Sweden international has struggled to cement his place in the starting lineup. He has made just nine Premier League starts and has committed some high-profile errors.

The club looks to be searching for a regular partner for Eric Bailly, who is the first-choice centre-back. Mourinho also has Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in his squad, but not one has proved to be consistently reliable.

Rojo recently signed a contract extension at the club, and he is Bailly's best partner, according to Marca's Chris Winterburn:

Squawka Football's Muhammed Butt said Smalling and Jones should not still be at the club:

A quality centre-back would undoubtedly strengthen United, and Varane would fit the bill. The 24-year-old is a talented player who is quick, strong in the air and composed on the ball.

United's interest in the defender is nothing new. Speaking to Spanish radio programme El Larguero earlier in March, Varane said the club—though not Mourinho himself—has contacted him previously (via AS).

Former Manchester United forward Brian McClair said a defence including Varane could help the Red Devils challenge for the Premier League title:

However, the former Lens man is a key part of the Madrid defence alongside Sergio Ramos. Last summer, he extended his contract until 2022 and said he would be happy to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu, per the Spanish club's official website.

Football writer Liam Canning doubts Varane could be tempted to move to Old Trafford:

Varane seems in no hurry to leave the European champions, and Madrid's decision to renew his contract shows they are keen for him to remain at the club for many years to come.