Manchester United 'are close to agreeing personal terms with Raphael Varane' and a deal for the Real Madrid defender could be concluded 'within weeks' as France star takes a break following Euro 2020 

• Manchester United are close to agreeing personal terms with Raphael Varane
• The France international has been a long-term transfer target for the Red Devils
• The Real Madrid defender has just one year remaining on his current contract
• United believe the 27-year-old could be the perfect partner for Harry Maguire
• However, they will face stiff competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain 

Manchester United are 'not far off' agreeing personal terms with Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane. 

The France international has been a long-term target for Manchester United and could head to Old Trafford for the 2021-2022 season after Real admitted they would be willing to sanction his exit.     

Should United push a deal over the line in the next few weeks, it is believed Varane will head straight to Manchester after his holiday, which followed France's exit from the European Championship.  

According to the Manchester Evening News, negations between the two parties have been described as 'pretty slow', but United remain hopeful of securing Varane's signature.  

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be preparing a £50million package to lure the 28-year-old to Manchester this summer.

However, the LaLiga giants may hold out for a better offer after valuing their star defender at £80m. They might struggle to raise that figure, however, with Varane's contract due to expire next summer.

Defence has been an area that United have been looking to bolster, with Solskjaer seeking a reliable partner to captain Harry Maguire at centre-back. 

Varane has established himself as United's primary target given his credentials - four Champions League titles and the World Cup. 

The 28-year-old also rejected Madrid's offer of a new deal, with the player reportedly unhappy that Real chose to negotiate with Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez and Sergio Ramos ahead of him.

Therefore, the wantaway defender could snap up Manchester United's offer or entertain talks with Paris Saint-Germain.