Real Madrid ‘ready to let Raphael Varane join’ to fund Barcelona transfer

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MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly launched a bid for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

Manchester United have continuously been linked with a move for Varane, whose future at Real Madrid is uncertain.
The France international has the support of manager Zinedine Zidane but, with Los Blancos’ backline looking vulnerable this season, a parting of the ways could be in the offing.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho signed him for Real during his time at the Bernabeu back in the summer of 2012.
And Spanish outlet Don Balon now report the 54-year-old has launched a bid to bring Varane to Old Trafford.
United’s defence looks likely to be overhauled this summer.
Phil Jones could be shown the door, while Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly have struggled for game time in recent weeks.

Express Sport understands the Red Devils are also interested in Barcelona rock Samuel Umtiti.
But Don Balon say Mourinho wants to make Varane his defensive lynchpin for many years to come.
And, in a stunning development, Real are considering whether to let him go.
Club president Florentino Perez is said to believe that Varane’s days at the club are numbered.
With United bidding £52million for him, Real then supposedly plan to activate Umtiti’s Barcelona release clause.
Meanwhile, Varane has talked up Mourinho in the past, gushing over him in 2015.

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“During my second season at Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho gave me a kick up my arse,” Varane told Le Journal du Dimanche.
“I was not doing well and I was unable to do the things I wanted to do on the pitch.
“So he took it up with me. He asked why I wasn’t running more in training. At first I was not impressed, but I eventually realised he was right. I had to do more.
“Mourinho always hits the right spot. He does not need long speeches. He is precise and very direct. He was doing it for my own benefit.
“I need to question myself to reach my best form. Without this pressure, I tend to rest on my laurels and don’t push myself.”

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