Manchester United boost as Real Madrid decide they will listen to offers for Raphael Varane
Jose Mourinho's top defensive target made available by Spanish giants in summer clear-out at the Bernabeu
MANCHESTER UNITED are have been given the green light to make a move for Raphael Varane after Real Madrid decided they will listen to offers for their unsettled defender.
United boss Jose Mourinho has been a huge fan of the France international and is desperate to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.
Now Real have decided to cash in on the 23-year-old as they embark on a summer clear-out at the Bernabeu.
The centre-back has become frustrated at the lack of starting opportunities at Real with manager Zinedine Zidane preferring Sergio Ramos and and Pepe in the heart of his back four.
And now the club have decided it may be better off-loading him for around £30million rather than have an unhappy player on their hands next season.
Varane is currently recovering from a knee injury suffered in May that ruled him out of the French squad for Euro 2016.
But he is high on the shopping list of Mourinho, especially now it looks like Real are open to doing business.
United came close to signing the defender back in 2011, but they opted to sign Phil Jones for £16million from Blackburn instead.
Varane, a life-long United fan, went on to sign for Real but now he could finally be about to make his move to the north-west.
Mourinho has already signed one defender from La Liga since taking charge having captured Eric Bailly from Villarreal in a £30million deal.
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It would take a similar figure to reach agreement with Real, and there is the possibility of United striking a double agreement that would also include Alvaro Morata.
According to Spanish paper El Confidencial, the Spain striker is another player they are willing to offload in a summer of changes.
Mourinho has been keen on the forward since working with him at Real and he would prove a valuable addition to his attacking options at Old Trafford.
Also likely to head out of the Bernabeu are James Rodriguez, who looks destined to join Paris Saint-Germain, Jesse Rodriguez and Isco.