Manchester United set to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid after fee is agreed

United have been in discussions with Varane's representatives for several weeks, with initial concerns a deal would be unrealistic swiftly banished as it became clear the player was keen to pursue a move to England.

The four-time Champions League winner was a big admirer of Manchester United and their defender Rio Ferdinand in his youth, with the latest suggestions that Real Madrid are now negotiating a fee for the defender suggesting a deal may be close.

Personal terms have been agreed between United and Varane's representatives, with the 28-year-old seemingly keen to leave Madrid with just one year left on his current contract.

French publication Le Parisien have claimed a deal confirming Varane's move to United is 'imminent', with a fee of around €50million likely to be enough to persuade Real Madrid to let the player go.

The player is now expected to fly to England for a medical, with reports in Spain confirming earlier suggestions that Varane has told Real Madrid he will not renew his contract with the club he has been with since 2011.

Varane has been training with Real Madrid under their re-appointed coach Carlo Ancelotti, but the feeling now is that this deal is close to being rubber stamped.

United will be signing a top class performer who has helped the Spanish giants win a glut of silverware, including the Champions League four times and three LaLiga titles. He has also played 79 times for France and was part of the side that won the 2018 World Cup.

Varane's arrival at United could coincide with the exit of his French international team-mate Paul Pogba, with United suspecting their club record signing will not extend a contract that is due to expire next summer.

That will force the club to cash in on him in the next few weeks, with Paris Saint-Germain keen to make Pogba their marquee signing ahead of the new season.