Raphael Varane has made 350 appearances for Real Madrid in his decade long stint and is now embarking on a new challenge.
Manchester United are preparing to make a bid to Real Madrid for central defender Raphael Varane and are confident of completing the deal by the start of August.
Messi, 34, is technically a free agent as of July 1, with his contract running down before Barca could finalise terms on a new deal.
Playing as hosts, the French national team suffered a heart-breaking final loss to Portugal in Euro 2016.
After finishing second in the recently concluded Premier League season, Manchester United's manager has conceded that they have to strengthen themselves.
It was reported that several clubs, including the likes of Manchester United, had been in the race for Alaba but he chose the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that French defender Ferland Mendy has a problem in his tibia, leaving him a doubt for this season.
Captain Sergio Ramos returns to the Real Madrid squad for the trip to London, whilst Ferland Mendy and Fede Valverde also return to the fold.
The latest development comes as Ramos is already nursing a calf injury he picked up in recent international duty
The French centre-back Raphael Varane will miss the crucial Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool