Manchester United 'enter talks with Real Madrid over a deal for Varane'

Manchester United have reportedly entered talks with Real Madrid over a deal to bring defender Raphael Varane to Old Trafford this summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to bring in a new centre back to play alongside Harry Maguire as the Red Devils try and put together a Premier League title challenge next season.

Victor Lindelof has been Maguire's regular partner in recent seasons but the heart of United's defence remains an area where there is room for improvement if they are to challenge for major honours again.

Varane appears to be United's No 1 target and he has less than a year left on his Real contract. The Spanish club do run the risk of losing the player for free next summer should they not cash in on the 28-year-old centre-back this year.

However, Real appear reluctant to lose Varane after also allowing Sergio Ramos to leave the club on a free transfer earlier this summer.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this month that the Red Devils are set to make a formal bid to the LaLiga giants regarding their French centre-back after being assured that the player wants to move to Old Trafford.

Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, United have already been in talks with Real for a week as they try to reach an agreement.

It's claimed Varane is keen on a move to the Premier League but is respectful of Real's desire to keep him and will not do anything to damage his relationship with the Spanish giants.

Sportsmail revealed that Real's valuation of £50million for a player who has one year left on contract is still considered too high by United.

Varane has been at Real for a decade, winning three LaLiga titles, four Champions League trophies and four FIFA Club World Cups with the Spanish giants, who he has played 359 times for since his debut.

The France international is yet to return to pre-season for the LaLiga giants, who are now managed by former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti after Zinedine Zidane's departure at the end of last season.

Varane is coming back late to Real training due to his efforts for France at Euro 2020 this summer, which saw Les Bleus go out at the last-16 stage following their defeat by Switzerland on penalties.

Manchester United have also agreed the £73m signing of Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho this summer.