Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly missed out to Chelsea over the signing of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, but he has another player in his sights.
The Red Devils are expected to be in the market to significantly strengthen their squad this summer, with Mourinho eyeing key reinforcements to build on this season.
However, according to Don Balon, one player that he will have to admit defeat over is Morata, as the Spanish international is set to join Antonio Conte at Chelsea.
It’s claimed that Madrid will use the deal as a way to reduce Eden Hazard’s price-tag, as Zinedine Zidane is keen on having the Belgian ace at the Bernabeu next season.
While that will be a disappointment to United, it’s added in the report that Mourinho is keen to sign Raphael Varane, with whom he has previously worked at Real and helped during the early stages of his career.
It’s suggested that conversations are constantly taking place between the two parties, and it’s evident as to why Mourinho wants to bolster his defensive options having been left short in that department this season.
The 54-year-old will be searching for a long-term partner for Eric Bailly in the heart of the United defence, with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones too often injured, while Marcos Rojo suffered a serious knee injury last week.
Further, with Daley Blind having to fill in, it seems as though it’s an area that Man Utd will prioritise this summer, and Varane would certainly fill that role well for the long-term if they can prise him away from Madrid and convince him that a move to Old Trafford is the perfect option for him to excel.