Manchester United are edging closer to the signing of Raphael Varane after reportedly telling the club he wants a fresh challenge by making the move to Old Trafford.

Varane has been chased by United for several years. But with his deal at Real Madrid now having just 12 months to run, there’s a growing sense of opportunity for Solskjaer.

New boss Carlo Ancelotti fears he’ll lose the player, however, with just one year left at the Bernabeu. However, Real president Florentino Perez is seemingly doing his best to prevent the transfer from going through.

However, United’s hopes have received something of a transfer breakthrough after a big claim in The Independent.

They state the player has now told Real Madrid he wants to leave for United. Furthermore, Varane is said to ‘want a new experience’ after spending 10 years with Los Blancos, who are in a transitional period.

In addition, Varane’s agent is reported to have already spoken with United over the switch. There does, however, appear a sticking point, with the paper claiming the player is seeking £400,000 a week at Old Trafford.

That deal would see him installed as the club’s top earner, above David de Gea. It’s also more than the deal seemingly on the table for Paul Pogba. Clearly, there’s some talking to do on that front.

However, daily Mirror claims that if pay negotiations can be resolved, the deal appears straightforward for United.

And the capture of Varane will end a 10-year chase for the Red Devils. The France defender idolised Rio Ferdinand growing up, and he almost joined the club from Lens under Sir Alex Ferguson’s watch in 2011.