Manchester United 'preparing official bid for Raphael Varane'

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make an official bid for Real Madrid's Raphael Varane.

The centre-back - out of contract at the Bernabeu next June - has been strongly linked with a move to the 20-time English champions over the last few weeks.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man United have already offered the France international a contract until June 2026, and the club are now preparing to submit an official bid.

Romano claims that there have been direct talks between the two sides over the last four days, and Varane is prepared to accept the contract placed on the table by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

Real Madrid are thought to value the 28-year-old in the region of £60m, but a recent report claimed that the Red Devils were confident of agreeing a £50m deal.

Varane, who was in action for France at Euro 2020, has made 360 appearances for Los Blancos over the last 10 seasons, winning three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also been showing an interest, but Man United appear to be in the driving seat for the experienced defender.