Real Madrid star Varane involved in De Gea transfer

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly told Real Madrid he will only sell David De Gea if Raphael Varane is included as part of any potential transfer deal.

Real Madrid are keen to raid Manchester United for De Gea two years after they first tried to bring him to Spain.

United were only able to retain their star goalkeeper because of a faulty fax machine, with Real unable to seal a deal as a result.

However, the Spanish giants are again targeting the 26-year-old as a long-term replacement for Keylor Navas.

But reports in Spain claim United are playing hardball with Jose Mourinho keen to ensure his team benefits from De Gea’s possible replacement in some way.

Mourinho gave the France international his debut during his time at the club after signing him from Lens in 2011.

And he is keen to make the 24year-old one of his summer signings, with the futures of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling shrouded in uncertainty.

It is said that Real chiefs will now have to decide on whether to keep Varane out of United’s clutches – or let him go in order to finally wrap up a deal for De Gea.

The defender is expected to be first-choice next season with veteran Pepe set to depart, but that might not stop Real caving in to Mourinho’s demands.

United are also making plans in case De Gea does go this summer.

Inter Milan’s Samir Handanovic is on their radar while Mourinho is also an admirer of AC Milan shotstopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

In latest news coming out of Manchester, Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas has refused to rule out a shock move away from Stamford Bridge this season amid links with United.

The midfielder has been linked with a reunion with Jose Mourinho at United, with the Red Devils expected to splash the cash now they have Champions League football wrapped up for next season.

And Fabregas has refused to rule out leaving Stamford Bridge – opening the door to a potential move to United in the process. – Express Sport