Manchester United are eyeing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane. The Daily Star says the 19-year-old is the one that got away for United, who first tried to sign him from French club Lens in 2011 but missed out when he chose Real instead.

United scouts have watched the youngster several times since then and sources close to the player claim their interest is genuine.

Varane is under contract until June 2017 and has a release clause worth around £26m.

But Real are so worried about United's interest that talks are already under way over a new deal which would tie him to the club until 2019 and vastly increase his release clause.