MANCHESTER UNITED could finally solve their defensive woes with the addition of Raphael Varane next summer.
The Real Madrid star’s contract is up in 2022, leading to reports of several clubs chasing his signature.
Reportedly available for just under £100million, Varane recently changed agent to a company that shares a strong relationship with the club.
The Frenchman is a World Cup winner with four Champions League medals in the bag, but has been criticised for his form this season.
Should the Red Devils capture their long-term target, it could set up a mega summer of transfer business.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer landed hardly any of his personally shortlisted signings last time out.
But that could all change if Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho also become available at the end of the campaign.
Grealish is set to star for England at the European Championship, which would heighten interest in the Aston Villa midfielder.
Likewise, Sancho could continue his rapid rise after months of speculation linking him with United.
If Solskjaer can get all three men over the line, he would have several options when picking his team.
His favoured 4-2-3-1 formation would work well with Grealish either alongside Paul Pogba or on the left wing, the latter pushing Marcus Rashford into the centre at the expense of Anthony Martial.
Varane would slot in seamlessly alongside Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s defence.
Alternatively, Solskjaer could go to three at the back and play Grealish and Sancho as wingers in a very attacking setup.
That would demand Pogba and Bruno Fernandes finally brew a working partnership in the centre of the park.
And it would also test Varane in a formation that he has rarely played in at Real Madrid, with Zinedine Zidane staunchly preferring a four-man backline.
Raphael Varane could become available from Real Madrid next summerCredit: EPA
Real Madrid star Raphael Varane is in great shape on the training ground
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
