Manchester United transfer news: United want Real Madrid defender, Red Devils keen on Benfica teenager, and more

Hello and welcome to the daily Manchester United transfer round-up - your one-stop shop for all the latest Man United transfer news and rumours!

Let's have a look at what the rumour mill has churned out about the Red Devils today.

#3 Manchester United monitoring three defenders ahead of summer

Milan Skriniar is one of the targets for the summer

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are eyeing moves for three Serie A defenders this summer. Ed Woodward and co. are monitoring Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly, Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar and Sampdoria's Joachim Andersen respectively.

The Red Devils tried to sign Skriniar last summer but failed to crack the deal, with Inter demanding £76m for the youngster. The price also became a point of the hurdle in Red Devils' endeavours to sign Koulibaly, who was rated above £100m by Napoli.

In the reign of Jose Mourinho, Manchester United failed to sign a defender, which was a top priority at Old Trafford. It remains to be seen how the club rectifies its mistakes in the summer this year.

#2 Manchester United to battle Real Madrid for Joao Felix

Man United and Real Madrid are interested in signing Joao Felix

Benfica youngster Joao Felix has been churning out impressive performances consistently and to such a point that both Manchester United and Real Madrid are interested in securing his services.

ESPN reports that the 19-year-old will be the subject of a tug-of-war between the European heavyweights, with Benfica rating him at £105m. Felix, who has scored 8 goals in all competitions this season, is already being touted to be the 'next Cristiano Ronaldo'.

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan, West Ham and Borussia Dortmund are some other clubs also keen on signing Felix.

#1 Raphael Varane tops Ed Woodward's wishlist

Ed Woodward wants Raphael Varane at Manchester United

According to Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are keen on bringing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane to Old Trafford this summer. Signing a defender to improve the backline will be the top priority for Manchester United in the next transfer season, and the French World Cup winner apparently tops Ed Woodward's list of solutions.

Senior figures at the club have told the news outlet that the club will be ready to spend £100m for a central defender. United are also rumoured to be chasing Kalidou Koulibaly and Milan Skriniar but would prefer Varane if he became available.

However, the Frenchman isn't being tracked by the club as intensely as the Serie A defenders.

For more Manchester United transfer news and rumours, visit our Manchester United Transfer News page!