Raphael Varane is a “top, top signing” for Manchester United, according to Patrice Evra, who says the Real Madrid defender reminds him of Rio Ferdinand.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed the club’s new signing Raphael Varane describing the France defender a “proven winner”.

The Red Devils signed the experienced defender from Spanish giants Real Madrid this week.

The 28-year-old is expected to undergo medical next week and is in line to make his debut against Everton in United’s final pre-season friendly.

“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.”