Manchester United £10m short of signing French defender

Manchester United are reportedly £10 million short of landing the signature of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.

The Frenchman has been identified as the club's top defensive target, and personal terms have been discussed already.

Varane is eager to test himself in the Premier League, but he won't push for an exit out of respect for Los Blancos.

According to The Mirror, United have made an opening bid of £40m that has fallen short of the £50m valuation.

The Red Devils are reluctant to meet the price tag citing that the centre-back has entered the final year of his contract.

Los Blancos are open to selling Varane, but they are prepared to stay firm on their asking price for the moment.

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are also big admirers of the 28-year-old, and they could yet join the pursuit.

Les Parisiens have already held negotiations with Varane's camp, and United need to act quickly to sign him.