Jose Mourinho's appointment key to Raphael Varane, Manchester United deal?

Raphael Varane has reportedly informed Manchester United that he will only consider joining them this summer if Jose Mourinho is appointed the club's new manager.

The French defender is widely expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, having fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabeu.

According to the Daily Star, early negotiations between United and Varane's representatives have already taken place.

However, the report adds that one of the 23-year-old's stipulations is that his former boss arrives at Old Trafford alongside him.

Louis van Gaal is currently in charge of the Red Devils, but his future remains unclear and Mourinho is the favourite with the bookmakers to swoop in.

It is believed that Varane has no intention of playing under the veteran Dutchman's management.