Manchester United negotiate terms with €50m defender

Manchester United have been granted permission to discuss personal terms with Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

The centre-back has entered the final year of his contract, and he has been tipped to head for the exit door this summer.

United are among the favourites to sign him, and Sky Sports claims that the club have permission to finalise a contract.

However, they have yet to sort a fee with Madrid. This could prove a stumbling block as they are reluctant to spend big.

Madrid want around 50 million euros, and United could refuse to pay the fee as the defender could sign a pre-contract in January.

Paris Saint-Germain are also in talks with Varane's entourage. They could yet hijack the deal from the Red Devils' noses.

The club recently landed Sergio Ramos on a free transfer. They could reunite him with his former Real Madrid defensive partner.

Varane may be tempted by the prospect. The Red Devils can't afford to haggle over the price tag for long with PSG aiming to pounce.