Former England captain and Chelsea great John Terry has praised Manchester United over their imminent deal for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

United are still finalising the signing of the Frenchman.

"I think it's a natural one for people to say that it will take time for players to adapt," Terry told Stadium Astro.

"But when you've played at the level and kind of competition that he's played at – winning the World Cup, Champions Leagues – he'll hit the ground running I'm sure of that.

"I think from the outside watching Man United from afar, that's been the key area I think they've been missing over the last few years so it's good to see them dip into the market and get such a top player.

"I think him and Harry (Maguire) will have a great relationship together. It kind of reminds me of myself and (Ricardo) Carvalho, if I'm honest.

"The kind of Rolls-Royce that Varane is and how good Harry is on the ball and aggressive as well. So I think they'll be a great combination together and, like I say, it will definitely strengthen them moving forward.

"But Varane is a top, top player and I'm looking forward to seeing how he does in the league this year."

Terry's comparison speaks volumes of how highly he rates Varane given Ricardo Carvalho's stunning six-year spell in the Premier League. The Portuguese enforcer won three titles as well as five domestic cups during his time with the Blues.

"Ricky kind of hit the ground running," said Terry as he recalled Carvalho's £20million arrival from Porto in 2004.

"I think the Portuguese league at the time was very physical and very demanding as well. So when he came in his personality was incredible.

"The only thing I had to do as a player was to kind of pull him back, he used to always go on these mazy runs up the pitch and leave me isolated at the back so I used to have to scream at him to get back.

"But again he was one of my favourite partnerships as a defender at Chelsea and I absolutely love him."