Real Madrid now know for a fact that Man United are willing to do business this transfer window.

During one of the meetings between representatives of the two clubs over David de Gea, the talks took an unexpected turn. To the surprise of Real Madrid, the English contingent changed the focus of the conversation. "And is Raphaël Varane for sale?" More important than exactly how the question was phrased, what matters is that it was asked.

Real Madrid know for a fact that United are interested in signing the French centre-back. And that is not all. To add to their unease, the English outfit insinuated that they would be willing to spend a significant sum on Varane.

However, Real's response was categorical: the young central defender is not for sale and there is absolutely no way that they are going to sit down and negotiate a deal for him.

Nevertheless, United's interest underscores the importance of making sure the player is happy and feels like an important part of the team to prevent any problems in the short term.

Varane wants to stay, but he wants a promotion. On the contrary, the possibility of him leaving the Bernabéu might arise. And if that happens, United will be waiting with open arms to offer the France international everything he wants in order to prise him away from 'Los Blancos'.