Manchester United technical director Darren Fletcher was key to signing Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

Real were keen to not let him leave for nothing in the summer of 2022 and therefore have accepted United's offer.

ESPN reports Real attempted to bring Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea into the bidding war for Varane in an attempt to drive up his price.

However, Varane only wanted to join United following conversations with Fletcher.

Former midfielder Fletcher, who was only appointed into his new role in March, is claimed to have swayed Varane's decision to leave Real for United.

Football director John Murtough also had an impact on the deal but Fletcher is named as being the biggest influence.