Manchester United have been handed a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane with the Spanish club becoming 'increasingly resigned' to losing the Frenchman after his representatives told them that he's keen to face another challenge.

What's the story?

According to a report from The Athletic, United are the most likely club to try and do a deal for the 28-year-old amid "informal interest" from fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City.

The report claims that Madrid president Florentino Perez is hoping Varane can create an auction for his signature through a string of impressive performances at Euro 2020, with a price tag of £40-45 million currently thought to be placed on his head.

Fans will be buzzing

Ole Gunnar Solkjaer has made signing a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire one of his priorities this summer after the continued struggles of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.

Villarreal's Pau Torres is another potential candidate being lined up by the Red Devils, but Varane is believed to be the club's first-choice as they aim to close the gap on English champions Manchester City.

United finished 12 points behind Pep Guardiola's charges last term after conceding 12 more goals than their local rivals.

Although Varane may not be able to make up such a substantial difference on his own, the addition of a World Cup-winning defender would be a significant coup for the Old Trafford outfit.

It's been eight long years since United last got their hands on the top-flight title, but the Madrid man has become accustomed to winning major trophies throughout his time at the Bernabeu.

Since arriving in the Spanish capital back in 2011, Varane has claimed four Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey.

His world-class quality, winning mentality and extensive experience at the highest level would all be extremely welcome additions to United's ranks.

Therefore, news that the France international is set to be available and that United are looking like the most likely club to sign him at this stage will surely have the club's supporters buzzing.

With only 12 months remaining on Varane's current contract with Los Blancos, his exit looks inevitable this summer, and if Solskjaer can attain his signature over the comings months, then a title challenge may be on the cards next term.

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