Manchester United are now favourites to land Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to reports in the Spanish media.

The World Cup winner is believed to have opted against signing an extension with his current club due to the contract offer that the Red Devils have tabled.

Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Chelsea have been mentioned as other potential suitors in recent weeks but it seems United are in pole position to sign Varane if they can come up with the funds.

The Frenchman’s price tag could, though, still prove to be a major stumbling block, with Real Madrid reportedly demanding €70m (£60m) for the defender, despite the fact that his current deal expires in 2022.

It is likely that United will need to be patient, in order to wait and see whether the price tag drops, as Real will not want to let Varane go on a free transfer at the end of next season.