Manchester United agreement for World Cup winning defender is ‘complete’

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to their first signing of the summer, with a Spanish journalist reporting that a World Cup winning defender is on his way to Old Trafford. 

According to Pipi Estrada, United’s move for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane is ‘total’.

Although fairly ambiguous, it is easy to see why United fans are getting excited as it appears that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have completed his first transfer of the window.

Solskjaer is reportedly keen on singing a central defender to partner Harry Maguire, with Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly not perceived to be long term solutions to the problem.

Phil Jones is largely anticipated to depart the club this summer, while Chris Smalling made his move to Italian side Roma permanent last summer after an initial loan spell.

Varane was part of the France side that was dumped out of Euro 2020 by Switzerland on Monday.

It had previously been reported that Varane is keen on a move to United, if the club can afford his huge wage demands.

Spanish giants Madrid, who themselves are under significant financial strain, reportedly value the player at around £45 million.

Varane’s central defensive partner Sergio Ramos is also leaving the Bernabeu this summer, after the club announced that it wouldn’t renew the Spaniard’s contract.

United had also been linked with other defenders, including Jules Kounde and Brighton and Hove Albion Ben White, however it appears that they have now found their man and are close to completing a deal for the 28-year-old.