Manchester United on verge of signing Lens teenager Raphael Varane – report

Raphael Varane – RC Lens

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Manchester United are on the cusp of signing Lens teenager Raphael Varane, according to The Guardian.

Despite being a member of the Lens side relegated from Ligue 1 this term, Varane’s ability to break into the side over the last two months has reportedly caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson, who is keen on securing talent which can safeguard United’s future.

The 18-year-old has acquitted himself admirably in a defensive midfield role and particularly at centre-back since his breakthrough at the Stade Félix-Bollaert, where United have frequently visited in order to chart his progress.

The clubs are likely to compromise on a deal which the French side believe should be worth £10 million, and that the player could be immediately loaned out to another side in France’s top flight next term in order to aid his development and harbour his concerns of a lack of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford.

Described by Lens youth-team coach Eric Assadourain as a “truly first-class player”, Varane, who is also reportedly a target for Arsenal, has made the most of his 6ft 3in frame by netting two headers from set-pieces in his last three outings.