Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Raphael Varane after Juventus entered the race for the Real Madrid defender.
The Red Devils are determined to land a new star defender - but Juve are also loking to strengthen their back line and are looking at alternative options to in-demand Matthijs De Ligt.
According to Sport , they have now joined a group of four top clubs to have declared their interest in trying to tempt Varane from the Bernabeu after reports he may be looking for a new challenge.
The French star has won three Champions League crowns in the Spanish capital and could be keen to test himself elsewhere.
United are set to offer a route to the Premier League - but Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also keen.
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All four clubs are likely to have the financial clout needed to try and sign Varane although they're likely to face a hefty price tag to tempt Real Madrid to part with their defensive lynchpin.
He has a huge €500m release clause meaning clubs will have to negotiate with Los Blancos to secure a lower price.
Varane recently insisted he is happy at Real Madrid but hinted he might be keen to challenge himself elsewhere, as reports have suggested.
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“To say that I am not happy at Real Madrid is not true,” he told the French press after helping his country to a 4-1 victory over Moldova.
“I’m at Real Madrid. The biggest club in the world. I’m constantly in a state of challenging myself because the requirement here is that of the highest level.
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“I’m focused on my career. We had a tough time in the middle of the season where we had to fight. I’ve given my all in this shirt and I can be proud of that.
“I cannot control everything that’s said [in the media]. Many things aren’t right but I can’t say I’m unhappy in Madrid."
