MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly closing in on a deal for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane.
ESPN claim the Red Devils have received encouragement over a transfer for the France World Cup winner following a deal for Jadon Sancho.
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The report adds that Varane is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top defensive target and Madrid are prepared to negotiate a realistic fee for the 28-year-old.
United are already said to have held “some discussions” for the centre-back – whose contract at the Bernabeu is due to expire in June 2022.
And the club’s efforts to sign Varane have stepped up following France’s surprise round-of-16 exit at Euro 2020 against Switzerland.
United are reportedly confident that a deal can be done for around £43m – a sharp decrease from Madrid’s initial £60m valuation.
French international Varane joined the Spanish giants from Lens way back in 2011 for just £8.5million.
It has been claimed that the four-time Champions League winner is keen on linking up with the Red Devils.
Yet it remains to be seen whether Madrid will allow Varane to leave following Sergio Ramos’ exit this summer.
Los Blancos have already secured the arrival of David Alaba on a free transfer from Bayern Munich and further player salaes would be needed to fund Carlo Ancelotti’s rebuild.
Madrid have already been linked with moves for Leicester star Wesley Fofana and Villarreal’s defender Pau Torres to replace Varane.
Europa League winner Torres was previously considered by United as an alternative target to partner Harry Maguire next season.
The Old Trafford outfit completed their first major piece of business today by signing Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho for £73m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
