Transfer talk: Manchester United eye up moves for Real Madrid star and former Chelsea outcast

Today's transfer gossip columns brings the total number of players being linked with a move to Old Trafford up to 1,786.

Manchester United have made an enquiry about the availability of Real Madrid wonderkid Raphael Varane, reports Marca. United have been perpetually linked with Varane since he started man marking doctors in the hospital shortly after his birth. However, the Red Devils lost out to Real Madrid when the Frenchman left his first club RC Lens back in 2011, and have been waiting for him to free up ever since. According to Marca, United brought up Varane's name while the two clubs were discussing David de Gea's inevitable move to the Bernabeu. Madrid told United that they were not entertaining offers for the France international, while United made it clear they were willing to splash the cash for the youngster. Another player United are reportedly interested in is Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. The Sun are claiming that van Gaal is an admirer of the Belgian, and could look to bring him to Old Trafford if they miss out on Mario Mandzukic. The former Chelsea striker is unlikely to be cheap after moving to Goodison Park for £28million last summer. He also still has four years left on his current deal with the Toffees. However, he hinted earlier this year that he would prefer to be playing in the Champions League, which could help United's case.

Turning to Liverpool now, who have been handed a major boost in their bid to sign Nathaniel Clyne.

Southampton yesterday closed in a deal to buy Sporting Lisbon right-back Cedric Soares for £3.5m, and the move is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

Liverpool will be hoping this frees up Clyne to leave St Mary's this summer, and make the move to Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers is reportedly planning an £11m bid after their initial £9m offer was rejected last month.

Finally, Tottenham are interested in snapping up Swansea's Jonjo Shelvey, according to The Guardian. With Paulinho and Etienne Capoue likely to leave White Hart Lane this summer, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino would like to bring in more players to add some much needed depth to their midfield. Pochettino feels that Shelvey, who's had a decent season at Swansea, would be a perfect fit for his system.