MANCHESTER UNITED are rumoured to be rivalling Real Madrid to the signature of 6ft 4in Monaco ace Benoit Badiashile.
The teen sensation, dubbed “the next Raphael Varane” is attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in European football.
The Red Devils’ neighbours Manchester City are among the sides who are believed to have monitored the 19-year-old centre-back’s performances.
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However, the Premier League runners-up have since bid £41million for Bournemouth star Nathan Ake.
United officials are believed to have commenced talks with Monaco over the prospect of bringing Badiashile to Old Trafford, according to TFI.
It’s believed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to inject more pace into his backline by adding a speedy defender to play alongside skipper Harry Maguire.
TFI reckons United and Madrid are being rivalled by Bayern Leverkusen for Badiashile’s signature.
The Bundesliga giants are said to be leading the race to buy the starlet.
The player’s agents are said to be locked in talks with the German club that began roughly four weeks ago.
Real Madrid have reportedly had some initial conversations with the France under-19 international’s representatives, after keeping tabs on the young centre-back this season.
Media in Spain claim Zinedine Zidane, who gave Varane his big break at Madrid, is hoping to bring through a new generation of stars for the La Liga champions
It’s thought Badiashile could potentially be part of a new crop of Los Blancos players.
However, the teenager, who made 20 appearances across all competitions this term, is unlikely to be a bargain buy for clubs vying for his signature.
TFI say Monaco, who finished ninth in Ligue 1, hope to get at least £27million from any deal for the player.
And the young French centre-back is currently under contract at the club until the 2023-24 season.
