DARREN FLETCHER has been credited with helping Manchester United sign Raphael Varane.
The club’s technical director reportedly helped persuade the Real Madrid star to move to Old Trafford.
According to ESPN, former United midfielder and club icon Fletcher – along with director of football John Murtough – played an important role in convincing Varane to join the club.
The signing is a major coup for the Red Devils with Varane’s arrival expected to help them mount a prolonged title challenge.
Varane has agreed a deal in principle to join United with the defender needing to undergo a medical when he arrives in Manchester.
The 28-year-old France centre-back will move in a deal which could rise to £42.7million including add-ons – with an upfront payment of £34.2m.
Varane helped France win the 2018 World Cup and has lifted four Champions League with Real Madrid.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently said: “Of course, I’m very happy that we’ve managed to get a deal with Real Madrid – he’s a proven winner and a player we have followed for many years.
“I know Sir Alex came close to signing him so this time we’ve got him at the other end of his career.
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“He’s proved over his whole career what a good person and professional he is – and he’s won what there is to win.”
Varane’s arrival follows confirmation of the long-awaited signing of England winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
Solskjaer will hope the summer signings can help United win their first trophy under him after their defeat in last season’s Europa League final.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
