Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho 'seriously considering' selling David de Gea to Real Madrid... but he wants Raphael Varane in return

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly coming round to the idea of selling David de Gea to Real Madrid next summer.

De Gea is a long-term transfer target for Real and remains top of president Florentino Perez's wish-list should the European champions decide to replace Keylor Navas.

Real almost signed De Gea in 2015 only to be denied by a faulty fax machine on deadline day, but Perez could finally get his man next year as Mourinho is seriously considering allowing the 26-year-old to leave, according to Don Balon.

David de Gea could move to Real Madrid next year as his boss is said to be considering his sale

Jose Mourinho (left) is reportedly thinking about selling De Gea but wants something in return

But the Spanish publication has suggested that Mourinho will only sanction De Gea's departure to Real if he is able to sign Raphael Varane in return.

Mourinho signed Varane from Lens while he was manager of Real in 2011.

The 24-year-old France star has since established himself as one of the top centre backs in world football.

Nevertheless, United would apparently still demand a significant financial package to sweeten a part-exchange deal.

De Gea has been in fine form this season, earning eight Premier League clean sheets — three more than any other keeper after the first 11 rounds of fixtures.

Meanwhile, Varane's campaign has been interrupted by minor injury issues which have restricted him to just six appearances in La Liga so far.

That something is Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to Don Balon in Spain

Varane, pictured in France training, is a top centre back but United would expect him plus cash