Andrew Cole and Wes Brown are in agreement that Raphael Varane would be a great signing for Manchester United.
After a slow start to the summer, United's transfer window looks set to finally burst to life with the imminent arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also wants to strengthen his defence this summer and the Manchester Evening News understands that the club are closing in on signing Real Madrid star Varane.
United have long been admirers of the French centre-back and have seized on the opportunity to sign him after he turned down a new contract at Madrid, with just 12 months remaining on his current deal.
Talks over personal terms have been productive and sources have told the MEN that United are 'inching closer every day' towards finalising a deal for the 28-year-old.
United greats Cole and Brown both believe the signing would be a huge positive for United.
“If that happens, I think it's going to be a big, big positive,” Cole said, via the Daily Mirror. “He's still very young for a centre-half and has played at the highest level for many many years now.
“He's won numerous championships and Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, World Cup winner. So he obviously has the qualities to bring Manchester United forward, so if it happens I think it would be a fantastic signing."
Former defender Brown was in agreement and added: I just think over the many years he's been at Real Madrid, he's been excellent.
“I do think last season he probably wasn't as good, but the experience he has, he's a big name in world football, everybody knows what he can do.
“If he were to come, it's a new challenge and I think it would be an excellent choice and Ole can then see what works.
“Bringing him in, you can see where Ole's looking to go, a high pedigree player.
“We also have Jadon Sancho, so if it was to happen it would be two brilliant signings for the start of the season, and I think the crowd would love it as well."
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