Man United planning £35m summer bid for French defender

Manchester United are preparing a £35m bid for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to reports in Spanish press.

The Red Devils were unable to strengthen their defence in the January transfer window but did agree a deal in principle with Borussia Dortmund for defender Mats Hummels in the region of £37m.

United are now ready to partner the German World Cup winning centre-back with Frenchman Raphael Varane, who has struggled to maintain a starting place in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is likely to push United’s interest all the way as he holds a firm admiration for Varane, having allowed him to breakthrough in the first team whilst in charge of the Spanish giants.

United boss Louis van Gaal believes that Hummels and Varane would compliment each other well at the heart of the United defence and that the club would be able to make a serious title push next season with those two signings.