Manchester United's pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is immensely heating up. The Premier League giants believe a deal can get done, but it's basically a matter of Madrid giving the green light to sell their center-back, per Fabrizio Romano:

The France international is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United as he has just one year remaining on his current deal at the Bernabeu. The Red Devils are trying their best to negotiate a lower transfer fee because Varane is eligible to ink a free pre-contract agreement in the January window.

Manchester United is looking to bolster their backline as they eye a run at the Premier League title next term. Varane would be a solid partner for Harry Maguire, who is by far Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's most reliable defender.

The English standouts have already strengthened their attacking ranks by officially securing the signature of Jadon Sancho just a couple of weeks ago from Borussia Dortmund as well.

Varane would bring a similar style of play to Manchester United as Maguire. He has boatloads of experience for both club and country, racking up over 350 appearances for Real while playing 79 times for Les Bleus. His physicality and strength in the air would be a perfect fit in the Premier League.

A back four of Luke Shaw, Maguire, Varane, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka would undoubtedly be one of the strongest in England's top flight.