Manchester United are interested in a summer move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to Sky Sports sources.
The reputable news outlet report that United manager Jose Mourinho has made the 24-year-old a key target, as he seeks to bolster his defensive ranks in the forthcoming transfer window.
Varane is widely regarded as one of the best central defenders in world football, and played under Mourinho for two seasons during his time as Real Madrid boss, a link which could provide advantageous in their reported pursuit.
The France international has featured regularly at the Bernabeu this term, making 38 appearances in all competitions, and is likely to play an important role as Real Madrid take on Juventus in the Champions League Final on Saturday.
Varane already has two European winners medals in his collection, despite still being only 24, but he could land a third if they better the Italian giants in Cardiff.
But with Real Madrid retaining a strong interest in Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, Varane could be used as part of the proposed deal.
The Spanish club are understood to have had a £60million bid rejected for the United stopper, although the Premier League club have since denied receiving any formal offer.
However, the emergence of United’s reported interest in Varane could boost Real Madrid’s chances of landing the Spain international, and potentially at a cheaper rate.
Mourinho is likely to add another central defender to his squad this summer, despite the arrival of Eric Bailly a year ago.
The Portuguese often saw his resources at the back depleted last season, with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo all struggling with injuries throughout the campaign.