Transfer Talk: Raphael Varane wants Man United move; Mario Balotelli to MLS?

United could lead race for Varane

The race is on for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane, with the Express reporting that the young defender has set his sights on a summer switch to Manchester United.

Varane, 21, joined los Blancos from Lens in 2011 but has struggled to command a starting role in Carlo Ancelotti's side this season. The France international is apparently desperate for first-team football, and, according to the Express, is keen on working with Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are searching for a quality centre-back given their struggles for a settled back four this season, and Van Gaal could green-light a 30 million-pound bid to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal to Varane's signature.

City to offload Nasri to buy Real star?

It's a brave new world for Manchester City having already felt the bite of UEFA's financial fair play restrictions, and the Premier League champions must balance their books rather than go on expensive spending sprees.

With that in mind, the Express reports that City are willing to offload Samir Nasri in order to fund a move for Real Madrid's emerging midfield star Isco, who has become a fine central-midfield option for Carlo Ancelotti this season.

With the futures of Yaya Toure and James Milner uncertain beyond this summer, Manuel Pellegrini will need a strong midfield presence -- if he remains as manager, that is -- and Isco fits the bill. Real fans are smitten with Isco and were disappointed at the 22-year-old's withdrawal during Sunday evening's draw with Villarreal.

The trouble is that City will need to sell in order to buy and Nasri could be the fall guy despite playing a starring role in City's run-in last season. Juventus are reportedly interested if they lose Paul Pogba this summer. Swings and roundabouts...

Champions may break the bank for Suarez

Moving on from stories of Manchester City's more frugal future, the Mail blows that out of the water by suggesting that the club are set to have a Dr. Evil moment and bid 100 million pounds for Barcelona star Luis Suarez.

Suarez, 28, scored twice at the Etihad in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, but Barca are privately open to letting the Uruguayan leave the club, according to the paper.

A summer transfer is unlikely given Barca's transfer ban until January 2016, though the Primera Liga side may well try to tempt City into letting Sergio Aguero join up with best buddy Lionel Messi at Camp Nou by dangling Suarez in front of the Premier League champions as a tasty swap deal. Unlikely? Sure. A lovely rumour? Most definitely.

Falcao agent to thrash out United future

Radamel Falcao had a rare weekend to remember for Manchester United, showing such fine close control it presumably confused referee Roger East into sending off Wes Brown rather than John O'Shea before Wayne Rooney finished from the penalty spot.

Given that timely impact from the striker, his agent Jorge Mendes is set to meet with Old Trafford officials this week in a bid to work out whether the Colombian will be signing for United permanently come the end of the season, according to the Mirror.

The Monaco loanee has not done enough to suggest Louis van Gaal will extend the striker's stay in Manchester of the agreed 43.5 million-pound fee, while The Sun reports that Valencia have emerged as shock favourites for Falcao's signature.

The 29-year-old's future remains uncertain, but could be clear by the end of play this week -- if that's the case, the striker could certainly do with a goal or two away at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Everton to offer 15-20 million euro for Kovacic

Everton will do everything to get Mateo Kovacic from Inter in Summer. They have contacted the club last week and the price could be between 15 and 20 million euro.

Balotelli to make MLS move?

What could be better than Mario Balotelli in MLS? Not much, really -- and the Express has picked up on reports that Orlando City could be keen on adding the enigmatic Liverpool stroller to their roster alongside Kaka.

The duo played together at Milan and could strike up a formidable partnership in the U.S. if such an audacious deal comes off, with the Italy international sure to provide some headlines along the way regardless of his form.

With Divock Origi set to make his long-awaited move to Anfield after being loaned back to Lille last summer, time is running out for Balotelli to convince Brendan Rodgers of his talents. Then again, with the coach naming four strikers on the bench against Manchester City and not starting a recognized centre-forward, the writing may already be on the wall for Mario.