After securing the services of Victor Lindelof from Benfica, Manchester United are now reportedly trying to lure Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho wants another defender in his side before getting into the action next season.
Varane has long been linked with United and he was even on Mourinho’s shortlist in the last summer when the Portuguese gaffer took the charge of the Red Devils. But Eric Bailly arrived from Villarreal last season as Varane remained with Los Blancos.
Varane started his Madrid journey under the Portuguese gaffer as he moved to the Spanish giants from French club Lens in 2011. The 24-year-old had two stupendous seasons under the guidance of Mourinho as he went on to establish himself as one of the top young defenders in Europe.
Mourinho parted ways with Madrid after spending two seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu but Varane remained a special player in the gaffer’s mind and it seems like the Portuguese is planning a reunion.
With Chris Smalling destined to leave, there will be a slot open for a defender and there couldn’t be a better option than this young French centre-back.
Leonardo Bonucci is tipped to be a target of Madrid as the Spanish giants are looking to find a suitable replacement for outgoing Pepe and Mourinho could use this opportunity to seal a deal for the player.
Mourinho is an avid admirer of the player and is ready to convince him by offering him adequate first team football. With the World Cup 2018 looming ahead, the French defender needs to settle himself in the starting lineup to command a place in the France national team and Mourinho’s appeal might tempt him to work again with the manager.
On being asked about with his first Madrid gaffer the French defender reminded that he had a very beautiful relationship with the manager. “I had a special relationship with Mourinho.
“With Ancelotti, I played less, but he did extraordinary things at Real and this is what counts.”
Mourinho has targeted a number of Real Madrid players with Alvaro Morata being his preferred choice. But now Varane has also emerged as his possible target. The Red Devils are ready to offer him better terms than Madrid to make his way towards the Old Trafford.
Varane was an important part of the Madrid squad which won the Champions League and La Liga title respectively but if everything goes according to plans he could soon be a part of Mourinho’s new contingent.
