Raphael Varane words on Manchester United transfer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eyes signing

Real Madrid: Varane coy when quizzed on future

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Raphael Varane appears to be Manchester United’s top transfer target ahead of the summer window. The France international could leave Real Madrid behind after 11 glittering years at the Bernabeu. So, with that the case, it’s time to look at everything he’s said about the Red Devils.

Talks with Sir Alex

Back in 2011, United wanted to sign Varane. Sir Alex Ferguson thought he was the ideal replacement for Rio Ferdinand, who was approaching the twilight years of his career at the time.

And, speaking after his move to Real Madrid, the France international revealed he talked with the Scot about a potential move – only for Zinedine Zidane to entice him to Spain instead.

“Zidane called me and I asked him to call me back because I was studying for my baccalaureate,” he said.

“It’s my relaxed nature that made me react like that. You have to be care-free to deal with so many things at such a young age.

“But to be honest, after that call, my mind was elsewhere; it was hard to focus on revising!

“It was the craziest period of my life: I was getting ready for the baccalaureate, the phone was ringing off the hook, I visited the Real facilities, I met Alex Ferguson… Just imagine, I was doing exams and signing autographs for other students.

“It was surreal. I’m really proud of having passed.”

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Flattered by ‘big club’ interest

Varane admitted in 2016 that he was flattered by interest from United, with Jose Mourinho pushing to snap him up at the time.

“Of course it’s flattering,” he said. “Manchester United are a very big club.

“But from the moment when Madrid and I are in sync on my project, there’s no questions to ask yourself.

“I have always said I feel good in Madrid.

“It’s not easy to say ‘No’ to Jose Mourinho, but you have to weigh up the pros and the cons. We’re men, we have decisions to make and that’s how it is.”

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Varane likes Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba is a somewhat enigmatic presence at United.

Capable of brilliance and frustrating in equal measure, the 28-year-old has regularly split opinion during his second spell at Old Trafford.

But Varane, speaking last year, insisted Pogba was a top player.

“I think we have a team. Pogba is a good player, I know him very well,” he said.

“For any team he would be fantastic

“I trust my team-mates. If new players come, we’ll see. I trust my team-mates.”

Responding to current transfer links

Varane has been strongly linked with a move to United for a few months now.

And when quizzed on a potential transfer last month, the centre-back decided to keep his cards close to his chest.

“My future is clear, I am focused on the end of the season,” he said.

“We are in an intense moment and all our focus is on the matches we have ahead.

“The message to the fans is that I am 100 per cent committed to the team. We have challenges that encourage us a lot. I am focused on giving everything on the field.”

Who else could join?

Varane isn’t the only player on United’s radar.

They’re also keen to secure the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, having shelved interest in Erling Haaland.

The England international has been interesting the Red Devils ever since 2017 and, this summer, a deal could finally take place.

Declan Rice, of West Ham, is also in their sights.

And United would like to sign a new right-back, too, with Max Aarons and Kieran Trippier previously linked.

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