Former Real Madrid coach and sporting director Jorge Valdano has declared Raphael Varane is leaving the club.

Former club captain Sergio Ramos has already signed for Paris Saint-Germain while defensive partner Varane is a target for Manchester United after rejecting a new deal with the Spanish club.

It is understood United are close to agreeing personal terms with the France international as they look to further strengthen their squad after agreeing a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, says the Manchester Evening News.

Some reports in Spain have suggested Varane could yet pen a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, though former director Valdano insists he is leaving.

"Two titans leave Real Madrid with a strategic position in the field," he told El Transistor. "Ramos and Varane mean something similar to Chiellini and Bonucci in Italy"