According to Don Balon, Mourinho has identified Varane as being better suited to playing under him at United than Umtiti.
And he’s apparently using speculation regarding a potential move for the Barcelona ace as cover to go after the Real star.
Mourinho is said to believe Florentino Perez is happy to sanction a £36m (€40m) deal for Varane.
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Jose Mourinho wants Manchester United to sign Real Madrid star Raphael Varane this summer
Samuel Umtiti scores for Lyon with unbelievable strike
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Jose Mourinho thinks Real Madrid will sell Raphael Varane to Manchester United for £36m
However, he’s not discounted signing Umtiti altogether if Real prove unwilling to do business.
Umtiti is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top defenders and is a key part of Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona team.
A release clause in his Nou Camp contract means he can leave for a fixed fee of £53m (€60m) though.