Raphael Varane 'on verge' of joining new club following Man Utd exit

Raphael Varane has agreed to join Italian side Como following the expiration of his Manchester United contract, a report has claimed.

The Frenchman's deal at Old Trafford expired at the end of June and he did not agree terms with the club over fresh terms, thus bringing an end to his three-year stay in England.

Varane was linked with various teams after his departure from United, but Fabrizio Romano reports he has given his word to joining Como.

There are details on a contract to iron out, while Varane still has to undergo a medical, but the deal is 'on the verge' of completion.

Como's assistant manager, Cesc Fabregas, is said to have played a key role in persuading Varane to join the club.

Fabregas is expected to continue working under the management of Osian Roberts, who recently turned down the chance to take the Wales national team job. Roberts and Fabregas led Como to promotion to Serie A at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Varane had previously said he would like to play for one of his former clubs - Lens or Real Madrid - upon leaving United, but neither came forward with an offer. He was also linked with clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

The centre-back left United having made 95 appearances for the Red Devils. He was also instrumental in their Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs in two seasons under Erik ten Hag.

Meanwhile, United are set to lose another French centre-back, with 19-year-old Willy Kambwala nearing a move to La Liga side Villarreal. In terms of incomings, United remain in talks with Bayern Munich over Matthijs de Ligt and they have had two bids rejected by Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite.

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