Manchester United edging closer to a deal for Raphael Varane with bid expecte

Manchester United's defensive woes

Manchester United have been chasing a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire for some time.

Victor Lindelof has proved a solid if uninspiring option, while Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe have all been found out at the top level.

With Maguire, Aaron Wan Bissaka and Luke Shaw all vital cogs in the Red Devils' backline, a right centre-half does seem to be the only missing piece.

This piece may now have been found, with Real Madrid and France centre-back Raphael Varane edging closer to Old Trafford, as per multiple reports.

Mohamed Bouhafsi, of French outlet RMC Sport, reported:

"Agreement almost contractually reached between Manchester United and Raphael Varane. Discussions are advanced between the two parties."

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While this will come as music to the ears of United fans, they may need to temper their expectations regarding when the deal could actually be completed. Indeed, Bouhafsi continues:

"Discussions are open between Manchester United and Real Madrid but no offer has been made yet"

Of course, this can be rectified quickly once the club are sure that Varane wants to make the move to Manchester.

Camavinga next?

Varane's seemingly imminent arrival would of course follow that of Jadon Sancho, who has swapped Germany for England already this summer.

There has been plenty of suggestion that United will not be stopping there, either, and with Eduardo Camavinga set to leave Ligue 1 this summer, the Reds have naturally been linked with a move for the teen.

However, according to The Athletic, the youngster would prefer a move to Spain, which could see him wait it out for the conclusion of his current contract, and leave on a free transfer next summer.

Either way, in Varane and Sancho, Manchester United look set to strengthen two key areas as they aim to go one better this season, both domestically and continentally.

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