Manchester United are worried Raphael Varane is using them to get an improved contract at Real Madrid.

In one of the big transfer sagas of the summer, the Red Devils have been repeatedly linked with a move for the centre-back.

Varane’s deal at the Bernabeu runs out at the end of next season and United have reportedly been looking to do a deal for around £50million.

They see the experienced Frenchman as the perfect partner for skipper Harry Maguire at the heart of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defence.

But The Mirror claim key figures within the United hierarchy are beginning to question whether or not Varane has any intention of leaving.

The 28-year-old has spent a trophy-laden decade in the Spanish capital and is now the senior man at the back for Real following the departure of Sergio Ramos.

And his future largely hinges on the finances in Madrid. 

If Real can offer an improved deal, Varane may stay. But they also need to raise funds to improve Carlo Ancelotti’s squad and may feel cashing in is the best move.

Hammers eye loan stars

West Ham are eyeing another loan move to fill the void left by Jesse Lingard, who they expect to stay at Manchester United.

Lingard, 28, spurred David Moyes’ side on to new heights last term and the Hammers were desperate to sign him permanently.

But with that now looking unlikely, Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chelsea’s Ross Barkley are both on Moyes’ list.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 27, has struggled with injuries over the past three years and the Reds would be prepared to let him go.

After making just 13 appearances last season, he has filled in up front during pre-season in the absence of Roberto Firmino.

Barkley, 27, is another in the frame for the Hammers after a topsy-turvy season on loan at Aston Villa.

Following a red-hot start, the England international struggled to maintain his good form and is currently working to impress Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. 

West Brom’s Matheus Periera remains West Ham's top target but the Baggies want £25m and The Express believe the Hammers may look elsewhere. 

In other news

The Sun believe Manchester City will accelerate their bid to sign England duo Harry Kane and Jack Grealish this week.

Brighton will finally submit a bid for Celtic striker Odsonne Eduoard, with The Mail reporting they will start with a £20m offer.

Premier League clubs are on red alert with AS claiming Real Madrid are not expected to offer Isco, 29, a new contract — despite his current deal running out next summer.