‘Best in the world’: Manchester United to tempt speedster to Old Trafford as a possible long-term successor to legend – report

Varane is a top-level footballer

Manchester United are reportedly exploring the idea of making a bid for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

The Manchester Evening News, which is generally in tune with comings and goings at Old Trafford states:

Manchester United to tempt Varane to Old Trafford amid doubts over prospects at Real Madrid

At 23 Raphael Varane hasn’t really kicked on since his move to Real Madrid from French club Lens in 2011. But, in many ways, he could be viewed as the perfect to successor to club legend Rio Ferdinand.

Varian is a top-level footballer
Varian is a top-level footballer

Varane is a pacy, ball-playing centre back with lovely feet and the ability to bring the ball out of defence. He also passes the ball with similar grace and precision to Ferdinand.

And Rio Ferdinand himself spoke glowingly about Varane and John Stones in January when he said of the youngsters:

“I don’t care how much it is. You are getting a player for ten years. John Stones and Raphael Varane are the best in the world.”

The 6ft 3in centre back has had a decent amount of game time at Real Madrid. In his five seasons at the club he has made 150 appearances and scored 6 goals.

He has added to that with 29 caps for France in a fiercely competitive defensive line.

But he is still very much playing second fiddle to the tried and trusted partnership of Sergio Ramos and Pepe at club level, which doesn’t look like ending just yet.

Perhaps then, Varane will view this summer as an opportunity to make a move to Manchester United, a club who nearly signed him in 2011, according to the report.