Manchester United given boost in Raphael Varane pursuit?

Manchester United reportedly sense that Real Madrid are ready to do business over a transfer for Raphael Varane.

The Red Devils are thought to be one of four clubs in the running to land the French World Cup winner, along with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Real have previously offered little indication that they want to cash in on Varane, but The Independent claims that Los Blancos have now changed their mind.

United are expected to step up their efforts to sign the 25-year-old if he is made available to purchase, with Real looking to trump rivals Barcelona to the signing of Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.

Ex-United managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho both tried to bring Varane to Old Trafford, and the centre-back is said to be open to a move to the Premier League.