Manchester United have joined EPL table toppers Chelsea in a race to sign Real Madrid hotshot Raphael Varane as the Frenchman is behind Sergio Ramos and Pepe in the pecking order for Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid are currently facing the problem of plenty as they have huge talent pool in their ranks but not all are getting enough playing time because of the fierce competition for places.
Raphael Varane, 21, who signed for Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, has struggled to dethrone either Ramos or Pepe from the starting XI of Real Madrid and now, he is thinking of moving out.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has managed Varane during his time at Real Madrid and wants him as a long term successor of captain John Terry.
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is also desperately searching for a top class central defender and young Raphael Varane has caught the attention of the Dutchman.
And Manchester United now look ready to fight with Chelsea for the signature of Raphael Varane.
According to Spanish sports daily Marca, Real Madrid are reportedly readying an offer for star defender Pepe, and with the Portugal international and Sergio Ramos set to continue their partnership at the heart of Los Blancos’ back four, Raphael Varane could be pondering a future away from the Spanish capital.
Pepe, 31, was tipped to leave Real Madrid in the summer of 2015 but the Portuguese international has shown tremendous improvement this season and the Los Blancos management is now willing to offer him an improved contract.
This improved stature of Pepe at Real Madrid has forced Raphael Varane to start searching for his options and the French defender is ready to listen to the offers from other clubs.
Meanwhile, Matts Hummels of Borussia Dortmund is the first choice central defender of Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal. But Manchester United are also keeping their options open and the availability of Raphael Varane has put them on alert.
Signing a top quality defender is going to be the first priority of Manchester United in the summer transfer window and they believe that an offer in the region of 21-23 million euros would be enough to get their man.
However, in spite of Manchester Uniteda s interest in the youngster, Chelsea are still the favorites to land Raphael Varane in the summer of 2015.