The prospect of Raphael Varane signing for Manchester United has sparked excitement among supporters - but it's not without apprehension in some quarters.
As reported by the MEN, Spanish giants Real Madrid are prepared to sell the World Cup winner to United during the summer amid question marks over his future.
It is understood that Real are resigned to losing the French defender, 27, who is out of contract in 2022.
However, rather than risk missing out on a fee for Varane, who arrived in the Spanish capital from Lens over a decade ago, he could be sold to raise funds amid multi-million pound debts in Madrid.
Capped 71 times by France, the towering centre-back is expected to reject an offer to extend his 11-year stay at the Bernabeu.
Varane came close to joining United in 2011, but some ten years later it's thought that he could be revisited as a transfer target as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes signing a centre-back partner for Harry Maguire his number one priority.
Here are a selection of comments from United fans on the back of this morning's report from the MEN:
@CagdasUtd said: "Varane will never happen. Sorry, just being realistic!"
@kegg1es posted: "18 major honours, including a World Cup and 4 Champions Leagues is more than enough. You don't win those being a passenger in defence. He's pacey and great on the ball, too, would be a good signing. Still only 27-years-old as well."
@PuddinGRK86 added: "I'm very undecided on Varane. Without doubt he's a WC defender and he's very fast (which we need). But, is he a leader at the back? Does he organise the defence? We need massive organisation at the back as well as a top defender. Most of our goals conceded are from our positioning."
@kevmal25 said: "He is not playing up to standard at Real and they will be happy to see the back of him and a big payday. This 'in debt' line is just a cover to make United move for their fading star."
@Stippo7 posted: "They can't pay him what he wants. He's still a top-class player that United are crying out for. And he fits the style of play perfect. Out of all the CBs we are linked with, he's my no1 choice and at half the price we paid for Maguire. It's a no brainer."
@BrutallyCynical added: "Varane is class, but I wouldn't overpay. If Real are desperate for cash, offer them £40m. If we're going to pay more, I'd rather target the next top defender rather than the last - someone who can give us 8-9 years."
@mattyt1986 said: "I rate our chances of signing him at approximately 0%. He doesn't want to leave and Real Madrid don't want to sell. It's Sergio Ramos all over again."
@LeeNoble20 posted: "Funny how because it's United he's being linked with, he is all of a sudden 'past it' and 'can't be that good if Madrid don't want him'. He's rejecting their contract, so they're selling him instead of losing him for free. United would be getting a world class centre-back."
@MUFCAndy1976 added: "Would have always seen this as us being used to get a better contract, but given Real Madrid post Ronaldo and other great players coming to the end of their career, they are not that great and maybe not the attraction they were five years ago."
