Manchester United to make January return for Real Madrid defender?

Manchester United are expected to make a January return for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to Don Balon.

According to previous reports, United failed with a £100m offer for the French defender on the last transfer deadline day in August.

In May, it was reported that Varane was eyeing a Premier League move, with Manchester United his preferred destination having worked with Jose Mourinho when he was coach of Real Madrid.

The France World Cup winner is one of Real's top centre-backs, and as a result, it will be difficult for the Bernabeu side to let him go easily.

Jose Mourinho tried to sign a central defender during the last summer transfer window, but could not land any of his targets due to a reported lack of support from United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

United's defence have had a shaky start to the Premier League this season, conceding seven goals from their opening three games.

After keeping a clean sheet in the last game against Burnley, Jose Mourinho will have another opportunity to test his defence strength when his side face Watford in the Premier League this weekend.