Manchester United were after every defender and got none of them before the Premier League’s transfer window slammed shut – including Real Madrid star and World Cup winner Raphael Varane, according to reports in the British media.

A slew of centre-backs had popped up in connection with United including Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld, Jerome Boateng, new Everton signing Yerry Mina and even Atletico Madrid stalwart Diego Godin.

But according to British outlets, including The Times, United chief executive Ed Woodward floated the idea of purchasing Varane while having lunch with Real president Florentino Perez last week.

He was quickly shut down and ultimately no centre-back arrived through the doors of Old Trafford on Thursday night, with the club believing no option represented true value for money.

Jose Mourinho was the manager of Los Blancos when Varane arrived in 2011. The 25-year-old has gone on to appear for the club 233 times, and he was a key member of the France squad that clinched the World Cup in Russia earlier this summer.