Report: Manchester United on verge of signing Varane from Real Madrid

Manchester United are in the final stages of completing a deal to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, according to Rob Dawson of ESPN.

Varane has agreed to a four-year contract which includes an option for a fifth, reports David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Real Madrid are expected to receive £35 million, plus add-ons, but will be forced to provide a solidarity payment to Varane’s training clubs, Ornstein adds. As a result, United will pay £34 million, plus add-ons, to Madrid over a number of years rather than in one installment.

Completion of the deal is contingent on Varane passing a medical.

Varane, who’s in the final year of his contract, reportedly notified Real Madrid last week of his desire to pursue another opportunity after 10 years in the Spanish capital.

Madrid were holding out for €50 million, but United were confident that they could snag the 2018 World Cup winner for a reduced fee, Dawson reports.

If Real Madrid had failed complete a deal this summer, the club risked losing the center-back for free next year when his contract expires.

The 28-year-old has won four Champions League titles and a trio of La Liga trophies with Real Madrid since his arrival in 2011.