Manchester United 'increasingly confident of signing Raphael Varane'

Manchester United are reportedly growing increasingly confident about their chances of signing Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been tipped to bring in a new centre-back to partner Harry Maguire for the long-term, and Varane has supposedly been earmarked as the club's top target.

The Frenchman has reportedly been given permission to discuss personal terms with United, who are yet to agree a fee with Carlo Ancelotti's side.

However, the Evening Standard reports that there is "increasing confidence" that a deal will be finalised in the summer window, as Varane is keen to complete a switch to Old Trafford.

However, Real Madrid are still thought to be demanding a £60m fee for the former Lens man, who is due to become a free agent in under 12 months' time.

Varane played every minute for France during their disappointing Euro 2020 campaign, and he has scored 17 goals in 360 appearances for Real Madrid since 2011.