Manchester United set to rival Chelsea in race for World Cup winning defender

As the football world continues to digest the news of a breakaway European Super League, fans of the Premier League’s big six are planning a series of protests outside their respective grounds in opposition to the controversial move. 

Despite the widespread condemnation of the move and subsequent chaos that has ensued, it appears that the Premier League’s biggest clubs are focussed firmly on what happens on the pitch.

According to The Express, Manchester United are set to challenge Chelsea for the signing of Raphael Varane.

The Real Madrid star’s current contract is due to expire next summer, and the Spanish giants could be prepared to cash in on the defender, rather than risk losing him for nothing in 12 months.

Despite managing 15 clean sheets in 20 games, new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel appears to be unsatisfied with his options and is looking to add reinforcements for a title challenge next term.

Varane has just over twelve months remaining on his current deal at the Bernebau

Varane is one of a number of central defenders that the Blues are considering, but his experience could prove attractive to Tuchel.

Promising young defender Fikayo Tomori seems out of favour in SW6 and is expected to join AC Milan permanently in the summer, while veteran defender Thiago Silva’s future is still in doubt as he is yet to sign an extension to the one-year deal that he signed upon his arrival last summer.

Meanwhile, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly desperate for defensive reinforcements, with the futures of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof under serious doubt, while Phil Jones is almost certain to depart in June.

Solskjaer is on the lookout for a long term partner for Harry Maguire, and Varane is one of a number of options being considered by the Norwegian.

Varane is allegedly open to the prospect of a move to the Premier League, and with Real Madrid still cash strapped they could be tempted to cash in on the player when the window reopens in June.