Rumour: Louis van Gaal ‘orders Manchester United to seal £30m Raphael Varane deal’

It has been widely reported that the Old Trafford club are keen on acquiring the services of the France international, particularly as a stuttering, make-shift defensive unit contributed to their early-season downfall.

Varane, one of European football’s most promising young talents, is reportedly growing increasingly more frustrated with a lack of regular first-team football under Carlo Ancelotti and is considering his options.

The 21-year-old is currently Real’s third-choice centre-back, behind Sergio Ramos and Pepe, but is understandably keen for a regular starting berth, so could be swayed by a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all interested.

The trio were put on alert after it was reported that Real will accept £22 million for Varane, but Van Gaal has instructed the Manchester United hierarchy to ensure they don’t risk losing out on the player by offering the La Liga giants £30m.