By Samuel Ekun
Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has been linked with both Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks and months as well as previously.
Chelsea and Manchester United have been rebuffed in their reported bid to sign Raphael Varane, as Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for a long time. The young promising defender has been mute concerning his exit from the club.
The French international defender’s future in the Spanish capital has been questioned in recent weeks due to his inability to establish himself as a first-team regular.
The form of number one centre-back partnership Sergio Ramos and Pepe has restricted Varane to just five La Liga starts this season – a figure far too low for a player of his ability.
With the Red Devils on the hunt for a new centre-back and Jose Mourinho reportedly keen to reunite with him at Stamford Bridge, the Premier League has been earmarked as Varane’s future home.
Ancelotti, however, has other ideas as when asked on the matter he confirmed to Spanish publication AS that Varane is going nowhere.
“I’m surprised because I didn’t know Mendes [the agent cited in the rumours] was his agent. Three days ago he had a different agent. Varane will be a Madrid player for a long time,” the Italian explained.
United have also been linked with a number of other defenders ahead of the January transfer window, including Borussia Dortmund ace Mats Hummels.
The Blues, on the other hand, have a settled squad and the interest in Varane is likely a result of Mourinho’s desire to sign his favourite Madrid player rather than the necessity of acquiring a new defender. Who really needs Varane? Manchester United or Chelsea fc?
