Varane's Man Utd hope as Real Madrid star 'ready' for Old Trafford transfer

Raphael Varane reportedly want to join Manchester United this summer - because he is ready for a new challenge.

The 28-year-old Real Madrid star is United's top defensive target as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks a world-class centre-half partner for Harry Maguire.

Varane is currently with France on Euro 2020 duty, and reports from his homeland claim he has received offers from United, Chelsea and PSG as he approaches the final year of his Bernabeu contract.

And the boyhood United fan would prefer a move to Old Trafford, according to The Independent.

The publication claims Varane 'wants a new experience' after spending 10 years with Los Blancos, who are in a transitional period.

It is said that the centre-half wants £400,000 per week, which could be a stumbling block for United after they previously overpaid to land stars such as Alexis Sanchez.

But if pay negotiations can be resolved, the deal is said to be straightforward for the Red Devils.

With Carlo Ancelotti taking over as Madrid boss following the departure of Zinedine Zidane, Varane is said to feel that now is a good time to switch clubs and experience life and football in another country.

Another centre-half target for United is Pau Torres, who has impressed for Sevilla and helped the Spanish outfit beat Solskjaer's side in last month's Europa League final.

The absence of captain Harry Maguire in the closing weeks of the campaign highlighted United's defensive vulnerabilities with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly forming an unconvincing partnership.

Centre-half has been a priority positioning for strengthening for several years, with former boss Jose Mourinho having had a high-profile fallout with Ed Woodward over the lack of signings in that position in the summer of 2018.

Rio Ferdinand was Varane's idol growing up, and he almost joined the club from Lens under Sir Alex Ferguson's watch in 2011, but instead signed for Madrid - with Zidane influential in the move.

That summer saw United instead sign Phil Jones from Blackburn, but seven years later their interest was rekindled when Woodward asked about the availability of Varane when having breakfast with Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Perez swiftly rebuffed any interest, but the situation has now changed over Varane, who has made 360 Real Madrid appearances and won 18 trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions League crown.

Varane also helped France to the World Cup crown in 2018 - playing every minute of the tournament.