Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane could be confirmed as a Manchester United player before the end of the month. 

The French international, 28, only has one year remaining on his deal at the Bernabeu.

Real are not willing to lose him for free next summer and have reluctantly agreed to sell now, with the Manchester Evening News reporting a deal with United is "inching closer every day".

Seen as an ideal partner for skipper Harry Maguire, Varane will become the Manchester outfit's second significant summer capture after a deal was finally sealed for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.

He is one of the game’s most decorated modern-day players having won three LaLiga titles and the Champions League on four occasions with Los Blancos, as well as the World Cup with France in 2018.

Still on holiday with his family following his involvement in Euro 2020, reports suggest Varane may fly straight to England to conclude negotiations.

With Varane keen to test himself in the Premier League, The Guardian believe personal terms will be no issue.

Herr he goes

Southampton, West Ham and Leeds are all monitoring Manchester City’s Venezuelan midfielder Yangel Herrera, according to The Sun.

Herrera, 23, impressed on loan at LaLiga side Granada last season, leading to speculation that Pep Guardiola may consider including the South American in his squad for the upcoming campaign.

But with Fernandinho recently agreeing a contract extension, Herrera’s future appears to lie away from the Etihad.  

The Saints watched Herrera on several occasions last term and could be tempted to submit an offer, with around £20million believed to be City's asking price. 

Meanwhile, West Ham’s interest could well depend on the future of Declan Rice, who continues to be linked with a host of clubs after an impressive Euro 2020 campaign with England.

In other news

Everton are contemplating a move for Burnley winger Dwight McNeil but will face competition from Aston Villa for the £25m-rated winger, according to the Liverpool Echo.

TalkSPORT say Brighton will move for Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips if Ben White completes his £50m transfer to Arsenal. The Reds value the youngster at £15m.

The Daily Mail claim Wolves have been offered the chance to sign Barcelona and Denmark forward Martin Braithwaite as new boss Bruno Lage looks to bolster his options in attack.