MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane this summer.
With continued doubts over the likes of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof alongside captain Harry Maguire, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks likely to go shopping.
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And according to Spanish journalist Jose Alvarez, Varane is heading to Old Trafford.
He told El Chiringuito TV that United and Varane are in ‘advanced talks’ and that Real Madrid are preparing for his exit.
The Red Devils looked into signing the French centre-back three years ago but were told it would cost more than £100million.
Now, though, the 27-year-old has just over a year left on his contract and could be available for a much lower figure.
Madrid value him in the £60m bracket. But that figure is still likely to be viewed as high, particularly with the impact of coronavirus on the transfer market.
United legend Gary Neville said Varane should be the club’s No1 transfer target this summer.
The Sky Sports pundit and Salford City co-owner revealed his choice during a Twitter Q&A.
Neville was asked: “If you could bring one player from a rival this summer to Manchester United, who would it be?”
And the 46-year-old replied: “Varane.”
Varane has been linked with a change of scene and a move to the Premier League with his Los Blancos contract up at the end of next season.
The 27-year-old is thought to be No1 on United’s wishlist but the likes of Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly have also been mentioned.
Neville revealed centre-back should be the club’s first port of call before looking at a striker and right winger.
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