Football
Miguel Delaney 9y

Man United, Chelsea targeting Real Madrid's Raphael Varane - sources

Manchester United and Chelsea will test Real Madrid's resolve over Raphael Varane and try to purchase the 21-year-old defender this summer, sources have told ESPN FC.

Although the Spanish club have repeatedly said both in public and in private that Varane is not for sale, and is seen as the future of the club's defence, both of the English clubs have been sufficiently encouraged by the player's camp that a move could be possible.

United and Chelsea have at the very least been told that Varane would be open to a transfer, with his situation at the Bernabeu somewhat complicated by a surprisingly limited number of starts given his talent.

The 21-year-old is known to have greatly enjoyed working under Mourinho at Real between 2011 and 2013 and still holds the Portuguese in the highest esteem, despite the problems the Chelsea manager had with some of the playing squad at the Bernabeu. At the same time, Mourinho views Varane as potentially the best centre-half in the world.

United have been similarly encouraged with their overtures, and it is also felt at Old Trafford that Real's longstanding interest in David de Gea could allow significant leverage in other deals over the next year or so.

Louis van Gaal remains on the look out for a defensive midfielder and central defender this January, though sources said there is virtually no chance of Varane arriving in this window.

The United manager has instructed the club to spare no effort in trying to bring in Roma's Kevin Strootman this January rather than in the summer, sources said, while he also surveys a relatively lengthy list of centre-half targets.

United's A-list targets in that area are Mats Hummels and Diego Godin, but both are seen as highly unlikely. Hummels' father and agent told Sky Sports Germany on Thursday that there is nothing behind rumours or a move to United.

Basel's Fabian Schar remains an option, not least because he is out of contract in the summer. Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar is in a similar situation and, while his arrival at Old Trafford was seen almost certain two months ago, sources say the Birmingham club's January asking price of around 12 million pounds -- as well as the defender's recent injury --- has left United looking around.

United are also monitoring Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Bilbao.

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