Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lavishes praise on "proven winner" Raphael Varane

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has branded Raphael Varane "a proven winner", with the Red Devils agreeing a deal to sign the central defender from Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old is expected to undergo a medical with the 20-time English champions next week ahead of a potential debut against Everton in the team's final pre-season friendly of the summer.

Speaking after Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Brentford, Solskjaer said that he cannot wait to welcome the France international to Old Trafford, while the Norwegian also hailed the club's ambition for spending £73m to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

"Of course, very happy that we've managed to get a deal with Real Madrid," the Manchester Evening News quotes Solskjaer as saying. "Medical should hopefully be okay, he's a proven winner, he's a player we've followed for many, many years.

"Sir Alex [Ferguson] was very close to signing him. This time around, we've got him at the other end of his career. He's proved over his career, what a good person he is, professional and he's won what there is to win.

"I'm very happy getting both our players in. The club shows ambition with one of the most exciting young forwards in world football and one of the most respected centre-backs in the world and one of the most winning centre-backs in the world. With him in, we've got different ways of playing as well."

Both Varane and Sancho could make their competitive debuts for Man United in their 2021-22 Premier League opener against Leeds United at Old Trafford on August 14.