Man Utd on alert as transfer target Varane considers quitting Real to 'challenge himself again'

RAPHAEL VARANE has stunned Real Madrid bosses by considering a shock summer exit, according to reports.

L'Equipe claims the French World Cup winner wants "to challenge himself again" after eight trophy-laden years in Madrid.

Varane, 25, has won 16 major honours including FOUR Champions Leagues since leaving Lens for about £8.5million.

Zinedine Zidane's return to the Bernabeu has lifted the defender but may not be enough to keep him at the club.

Manchester United are long-term admirers of Varane, who is contracted to Real until 2022 and has an eye-watering £428M release clause.

SunSport told you of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans to leave his defence as it is in order to strengthen his attack, with £100million right-winger Jadon Sancho his top target.

But Varane's availability would surely be discussed in the United boardroom and could see the club move in another direction.

The Old Trafford hierarchy would likely have to break the world-record £75m fee Liverpool paid for defender Virgil van Dijk.

Madrid are unlikely to let their 6ft 3in centre-back go – especially with Sergio Ramos' future up in the air.

Varane has made 268 appearances for Real and has nailed down a place in the team alongside Ramos.

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