Real Madrid news: Manchester United want Raphael Varane to go public with transfer wish

Manchester United failed to sign Varane during Sir Alex Ferguson’s time in charge, with the France international signing for Real Madrid instead.

However, with Los Blancos stuck in a rut, there is renewed talk about a move to Old Trafford at the end of the current campaign.

Real are well off the pace in La Liga, with their title defence already in tatters with Barcelona eight points clear at the summit. 

And Spanish website Don Balon say Manchester United have made contact with Varane as they aim to secure a first league title since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

Mourinho was the one who signed Varane for Madrid all those years ago, fending off Ferguson to secure his signature.

And Don Balon say the 54-year-old remains among his admirers.

It is said he feels Zinedine Zidane is unable to coax the best out of his compatriot, who has toiled at the back since Pepe’s exit to Besiktas.

Mourinho has supposedly said as much to Varane himself, promising him a better life in Manchester than Madrid.

He wants Varane to publicly state his desire to leave the Bernabeu - if the player is interested in a move.

That is because Madrid are unlikely to let him go without a fight.

Meanwhile, speaking back in March, Varane confirmed he had a ‘special relationship’ with Mourinho.

"I mostly wondered if the club was in line with my project, namely to play,” he said when quizzed on why he decided to stay at Madrid.