Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand thinks Raphael Varane forced through Real Madrid exit with defender set for £40m transfer
RIO FERDINAND believes that Raphael Varane has forced through his Real Madrid exit to join Manchester United.
And the Red Devils legend is excited to see Varane team up at the back with Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman is set to quit Madrid for United in a deal worth in the region of £40million.
Real Madrid had been reluctant to lose their most senior centre-back, but refused to watch him walk for nothing upon the expiry of his contract next year.
Ferdinand, 42, believes that Varane has done what he can to get the deal over the line.
He told his FIVE YouTube channel: "What a signing. There's been talk in the transfer market since it opened up - it must have come from the player.
"He must have wanted to leave, and be part of the new Man United way, the project that's going ahead.
"With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signing a new deal, Sancho coming in - the talent they've got there, the ability to play alongside Maguire after he did so well at the Euros probably played a part.
"I just think he sees this as a better project than what he's got at Real Madrid now."
We've signed a genuine world-class centre back. His list of honours is ridiculous, it's as long as my arm
Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand also believes that Varane, 28, is so good that he 'purrs'.
He continued: "When you watch him sometimes he almost purrs, he's got that pace, that poise.
"We've signed a genuine world-class centre back. His list of honours is ridiculous, it's as long as my arm.
"It's a great job by the (recruitment) people at Manchester United.
BETTING SPECIAL - CLAIM £180 IN FREE BETS FOR THE OLYMPICS
Dream Team 2021/22
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!
- £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
"United have been criticised in the past, and rightly so, for dilly-dallying in the market.
"This one they were assertive, they went for their man and they got him. No doubt in my mind, he would have said to Real Madrid 'I need it, I want it, I have to go.'"
Varane is set to become United's second high profile signing of the summer, after they sealed a long-awaited £73m transfer for England star Jadon Sancho.
⚽ Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals