Manchester United target RAPHAEL VARANE

Varane arrived at Madrid five years ago when Jose Mourinho was in charge and the Portuguese boss handed him his La Liga debut at the age of just 18.

And while he didn’t become a regular in the first team until 2014, he did break into the France team and has racked up 29 appearances for his country. 

But now Spanish newspaper Ecodiario claim the 23-year-old could face another season without regular football having failed to displace either Sergio Ramos or Pepe in the pecking order.

Both defenders suffered injuries last season allowing Varane the chance to impress under Rafa Benitez and then Zinedine Zidane.

The former Lens defender made 38 appearances in all competitions but has not reportedly done enough to break up the established pairing of Ramos and Pepe.

However, he is said to believe he is qualified to do more than wait and wants to be considered a starter.

Varane has four years left on a six-year contract meaning if he wants to leave Madrid he will have to force a move.

And Spanish outlet Fichajes claim a reunion with Mourinho at Manchester United would be an attractive option for him.

A move for Varane would please United fans who have already seen Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan head to Old Trafford this summer.

He would have to compete with £30million Bailly and Chris Smalling for a place in the starting XI but may feel his pre-existing relationship with Mourinho will stand him in good stead.