Manchester United join Chelsea in race for Raphael Varane

Manchester United and Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the situation unfolding behind Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane and are considering a move in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

Jose Mourinho is a huge fan of the defender, having worked with him during his time at Madrid and is seriously considering a move for the player with John Terry unlikely to carry on for much longer. Gary Cahill has already fallen out of favour with the Portuguese manager and Mourinho may look for a replacement should he fail to regain his spot in the first team.

Louis van Gaal is also a massive fan and is likely to make the player his top priority for the summer should the Frenchman be deemed surplus to requirements by Carlo Ancelotti.

The defender has struggled to get games ahead of the likes of Sergio Ramos and Pepe, with the latter handed a new deal, putting him ahead in the reckoning for a place in the first eleven. Varane on the other hand, has been getting more games off late, but that is due to injuries to other players and will know his true worth when the players return to first team action.

The Red Devils, who have spent an enormous amount of money on Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo this summer, need to splash the cash yet again for a centre-back with their current crop failing to live up to expectations.

However, much will depend on the availability of Mats Hummels who is Van Gaal's prime target for the summer, especially with Borussia Dortmund struggling to get out of the relegation zone.

United are currently fourth in the league, two points ahead of Arsenal and one behind of Southampton, who are on third. The Red Devils have secured progression into the sixth round of the FA Cup after beating Preston North End and will face cup holders Arsenal at Old Trafford.