Real Madrid defender confirms Manchester United approach

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has confirmed Manchester United made an approach for his services.

Varane is regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe after finally establishing himself as a first-team regular for Madrid in the last two seasons.

United wanted to prise Varane away from Madrid when the France international was behind Sergio Ramos and Pepe in the pecking order but failed in their attempts.

The Red Devils’ interest intensified when they appointed former Madrid manager Jose Mourinho in 2016 and Varane has confirmed the Portuguese wanted a reunion at Old Trafford.

“No, not directly” Varane told El Larguero, via AS when asked whether Mourinho had reached out personally. “There were contacts, but not directly.”

United are widely expected to sign a centre-back for a third summer in a row at the end of the season and are now being heavily linked with Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti.

Varane’s international team-mate has a €60m release clause in his existing Barcelona deal, but the La Liga giants are desperately trying to remove it.

Varane boasts a stunning pass success rate of 94.4% in the Champions League this season, only misplacing 16 of the 287 passes he has attempted in the competition.