Manchester United are edging closer to the signing of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, according to a report.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman has supposedly been identified by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the ideal long-term partner for Harry Maguire at Old Trafford, with Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof failing to convince the Norwegian.

Madrid have already lost one centre-back this year following Sergio Ramos's exit, though, and United are not thought to have tabled an official bid for Varane's services yet.

However, the Manchester Evening News reports that the Red Devils are close to agreeing personal terms with the former Lens man, who wants to head to Manchester straight after his holiday.

United are supposedly hopeful of completing a deal for approximately £50m, with Real Madrid facing the tough choice of selling him this summer or seeing him walk away for free in 2022.

The 28-year-old played every minute of France's short-lived Euro 2020 campaign and has won four Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles during his 10-year spell in Madrid.