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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Feliciano

Raphael Varane to Manchester United latest: Real Madrid transfer close to completion

Manchester United have made progress on a deal to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

Sources have told the Manchester Evening News United are 'inching closer every day' towards finalising a deal for the 28-year-old Varane.

Discussions over personal terms have been productive and Varane expects to join United this summer.

There is hope that United could complete the signing of Varane by the end of the month as his preference is to head straight to Manchester after his holiday, rather than have to return to Madrid for any pre-season training.

Varane is currently on holiday with his wife and their two children, following his participation for France at the European Championship.

United have been relaxed about the gradual progress on a move for Varane due to his post-Euros downtime. Sources say United are expected to sign Varane for a 'good price' and his fee is not expected to be a sticking point.

It comes after Madrid previously hoped they would get £80m for Varane, despite the 28-year-old having just 12 months left to run.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made the former Lens youngster his No.1 target to partner Harry Maguire next season, but United are reluctant to match Madrid's original £80m valuation because of Varane's contract status.

Madrid though accepted that he is most likely to leave and the club gave United permission to discuss personal terms with the four-time Champions League winner.

Varane's future is more complicated now that Sergio Ramos is leaving Real Madrid (David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

It will come after the LaLiga side lost his long-time defensive partner Sergio Ramos, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

It's been reported that Carlo Ancelotti spoke to Varane about his future at the Bernabeu and tried to convince him to stay beyond the end of his current contract.

Varane endured a mixed European Championship for France, putting in a couple of classy displays, though he was exposed as Les Bleus crashed out of the tournament on penalties to Switzerland at the round of 16 stage.

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