Raphael Varane

Real Madrid to Man Utd, £34.2m before add-ons

Confirmation of Varane’s deal is still dragging on, but when he does arrive he will provide professionalism, experience and leadership to the back line. Opposition strikers will not out-run Varane, and nor will they out-jump him. The 28-year-old (above) is superb in possession and reads the game superbly. Perhaps the most exciting element of Varane’s signing for United fans, when it is finally confirmed, is that his arrival represents a solution to one of their most pressing problems. The right-sided centre-back role has been an issue for some time, with

Victor Lindelof rarely offering the pace or presence that is needed next to Harry Maguire. Eric Bailly, meanwhile, has struggled with niggling injuries. Varane’s speed will allow United to push higher up the pitch and to play more aggressively in midfield, and he is durable.