Man Utd to sign Raphael Varane 'next week' as huge progress made in £39m transfer talks

The Red Devils look set to add a world-class name to their defensive ranks.

Posted Monday, July 26, 2021 by Express.co.uk

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Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane next week after talks over a £39million transfer progressed on Sunday, according to reports in France. Varane will be the Red Devils' second marquee signing of the summer after Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

According to reputable French outlet Le Parisien, United and Real are very close to an agreement for Varane.

The Premier League giants will pay £39m (€45m) to sign Varane, who is in the final 12 months of his Real contract.

Transfer talks between the two clubs have recently intensified, which should lead to the 28-year-old switching Madrid for Manchester.

Le Parisien report that Varane's highly-anticipated Old Trafford arrival will likely take place by the end of the week.

Raphael Varane is on the verge of a Man Utd move.

Reliable French journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi has also confirmed that talks between the clubs to conclude a deal have finally started.

Bouhafsi reports that the coming week will be 'decisive' for Varane's future, will United wanting to know Real's expectations - probably regarding a fee.

Following Sancho's £73m arrival, this will come as inspiring news for United fans and Solskjaer.

Varane was the Norwegian boss' second priority after Sancho, and he could have both in his ranks with over two weeks to go until the new season starts.

Harry Maguire's performances for England at Euro 2020 further emphasised his top-class quality.

At the end of last season, his absence hampered United's season and proved how important he is to Solskjaer's plans.

With a world-class player in Varane alongside him, Maguire will only improve as United's captain in the heart of the defence.

The 2021/22 season could be the first where the Red Devils have had a top tier centre-back pairing since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic roamed the defence.