Manchester United have had a lot problems defensively this season and manager Louis van Gaal has already expressed his concern over the defensive line at times. With a long list of injuries that has added to their troubles, the Dutch manager has acknowledged the need for more additions to his existing squad. Manchester United has expressed a strong interest in many players but till now a deal has not been finalized for any new recruitments.
Recently, United have set their sights on a new target in the form of Real Madrid’s French defender Raphael Varane, who is valued at £19m by the Red Devils. The 21-year-old who was a prime target for Chelsea and Portuguese boss Jose Mourinho has been impressive with the limited playing time that he has had at Real Madrid. Recently the defender has not been able to make it into the starting eleven as Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti prefers Pepe over the Frenchman. The Real Madrid boss prefers the pairing of Pepe and Ramos and would like it to be undisturbed, which has resulted in Varane being benched for most of the season. The French center-back who moved to the Spanish giants in 2011 from Lens has just had four starts this season and wants a move away from the club.
United who are desperate for defensive reinforcements with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans often struggling with injury problems are keen on adding him to their squad. The Dutch manager who has lifted United to third spot in the English Premier League points table at the moment, feels the need for added protection to his injury prone squad and insists Varane would be the perfect addition to his team. On the other hand Chelsea are still interested in signing the French star too as Jose Mourinho, who spent three seasons at Madrid regards him as the best young player in the world. Further Chelsea need the feel to sign him for the furture as a long term replacement for England international John Terry.