Man United 'identify Raphael Varane as long-term Harry Maguire partner'

Manchester United have reportedly earmarked Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane as an ideal long-term partner for Harry Maguire.

With the futures of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones shrouded in uncertainty, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to prioritise a move for a top-quality centre-back in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have been linked with the likes of Jules Kounde, Pau Torres and Varane's teammate Sergio Ramos, but the Frenchman is thought to be their top target ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

According to the Daily Mail, United believe that Varane would thrive alongside Maguire in the heart of Solskjaer's defence, and the Red Devils will go all out to prise the defender away from the Bernabeu this summer.

Varane's deal with Los Blancos expires in 2022, but the La Liga champions are nevertheless thought to be demanding a fee in the region of £60m, which United will hope to drive down.

Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the former Lens defender, who has scored twice in 36 appearances for Zinedine Zidane's side across all competitions this term, but he is currently out of action after testing positive for coronavirus.