Florentino Perez opens door for Raphael Varane exit amid Manchester United links

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has handed Manchester United a boost in their pursuit of Raphael Varane by claiming that players who do not wish to play for Los Blancos are free to leave.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is thought to be on the lookout for defensive reinforcements this summer, and the United boss has reportedly identified Varane as his ideal long-term partner for Harry Maguire.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman is due to become a free agent in less than 18 months' time, and Perez will not stand in the defender's way if he voices a desire to leave.

Speaking to El Larguero, the 74-year-old said: "Varane? I'm happy with our team... if players don't want to stay at Madrid they can leave."

The future of Varane's centre-back partner Sergio Ramos is also up in the air as he runs down the final months of his contract, but Real have reportedly secured the signature of David Alaba on a five-year deal.

However, Man United will supposedly have to rival Chelsea for Varane, who has made 37 appearances across all competitions for Zinedine Zidane's side this term.