Raphael Varane on the brink of Man Utd move as club nears agreement with Real Madrid

The deal looks imminent

Manchester United appear on the verge of completing a move for Raphael Varane, with several reports now claiming an agreement with Real Madrid is imminent. Varane is said to be keen on a switch to Old Trafford as he eyes a new challenge, having won all there is to win as a Madrid player. The defender has now entered the final year of his contract, meaning Real face losing him on a free next summer if he isn't sold before the close of the current transfer window. The sticking point was always likely to be the transfer fee United were willing to pay for him. This, however, now seems like it won't be the stumbling block many initially envisaged. The Manchester Evening News claim the 28-year-old has agreed personal terms with United and that an agreement with Real Madrid has almost been reached after positive discussions were held between the two clubs over the weekend. Things are said to be so advanced that Varane has even taken time to study United's defending from last season in preparation for his move to Manchester. News of the French international's potential arrival comes days after United finally landed Jadon Sancho after being unable to prise him from Borussia Dortmund's grasp a year ago. In recent years, United have become something of a laughing stock in terms of their approach to transfer business, but the signing of Varane - and the ease with which they appear to have done it - will be another sign that the club might *finally* be getting their house in order when it comes to player recruitment. United have also been linked with a move for Kieran Trippier this summer, and the MEN also claim a second central defender may follow Varane to Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also believed to be interested in recruiting a defensive midfielder, though this may hinge on United selling a player first.