Chelsea attempt late hijack of star’s Manchester United move

Chelsea have made a late approach to sign Raphael Varane, despite Manchester United reportedly closing in on a £42.8million deal for the defender.

The French centre-back is out of contract next summer and has decided to leave the Bernabeu after a decade at the club.

United quickly moved to the front of the queue and are believed to have agreed a five-year deal with the defender’s representatives, report Marca.

A fee still needs to be agreed, though the Spanish side are under pressure to sell, and talks between the two clubs have ramped up significantly over the past few hours.