MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
The 28-year-old centre-back has been negotiating a deal with the Premier League giants in what would be one of the biggest signings of the summer.
According to Telefoot, all that is left is for Real and United to agree a transfer fee for the French defender.
Man Utd are said to be offering a fee in the region of £43million but Madrid are holding out for a sum in excess of £50m.
Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano had earlier offered an update and claims the two clubs have been in talks for the past week.
He tweeted: “Manchester United are in direct contact with Real Madrid for Raphaël Varane since one week. Varane wants a Premier League experience but he’ll be respectful. He’s not breaking his relationship with Real. It’s up to the two clubs to reach an agreement. Talks on.”
Varane’s contract in the Spanish capital has now entered the final 12 months and he could potentially walk away for nothing next year.
This means Madrid will have to sell him now if they expect to receive a sizeable transfer fee for the former Lens ace.
Varane signed for Los Blancos back in 2011 and has played 360 times for the club.
In a glittering period at Madrid, the defender has won three LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and four Champions Leagues.
During that time he has also won the 2018 World Cup with France where he was named in the team of the tournament.
United are hopeful they will secure Varane’s services within the next 12 days.
It is believed they will make an offer to sign the France international this week, with personal terms not believed to be an issue. Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the ex-Lens ace, but the player’s preference is to join United.
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer laughed off talk of Varane’s imminent arrival at Carrington after the 2-1 friendly win against Derby on Sunday.
Asked for his view on the potential deal, Solskjaer could not conceal a smile.
Laughing, he said: “Varane? I only speak about players when we sign them.”
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
Dream Team 2021/22
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!
- £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
