Raphael Varane is edging closer to a move to Manchester United, after they came to terms with Real Madrid for the defender's transfer. 

Despite being in the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu, United will pay a reported €41million plus various add-ons for the 28-year old.

Varane will then put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the option of a fifth.

The Athletic claim that €40million of that initial outlay will go to Real, with the remainder as solidarity payments to Hellemmes and Lens back in France where Varane spent his formative years.

The France World Cup-winner was one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's main targets this summer, along with recent acquisition Jadon Sancho. Back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton has also arrived on a free transfer.

Varane was said to be impatient for the proposed deal to go through as quickly as possible, as he didn't want to start pre-season training this week with Real Madrid, only to then start again with United days or weeks later.

Travel restrictions and quarantine rules mean it's uncertain when Varane's medical will take place. The deal looks set to plough on regardless.

Meanwhile, United welcomed Donny van de Beek back to training on Monday.

The midfielder was forced to miss the Netherlands' Euro 2020 campaign after suffering a groin injury prior to the tournament.

Speaking after a pre-season friendly with QPR at the weekend, Solskjaer offered a time-frame on his international contingent's return.

He believes Wednesday's game with Brentford will be too soon for most, adding, "Many will join in training on Monday so they've got their catch up, a few weeks.

"That's unfortunately the way it is, every year where there is a tournament, we have to catch up and hopefully they've done the work we've told them to do when they're away.”

Players who reached Euro 2020 and Copa America finals will be granted a few days' grace.

“The English players and Fred, the ones who went all the way to the finals in the Copa America and the Euros - they needed a longer break," Solskjaer said, "They'll be back with us in about 10 days’ time.”

THE NEWSOUND | McSharry reaches final, Hurling Quarter-Final venues, Transfer talks