Manchester United are among those to have been heavily linked with the World Cup-winning defender, but he is happy in his current surroundings
Raphael Varane has sought to quash the speculation which continues to surround him at Real Madrid, with the French defender “very happy” at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 25-year-old centre-half has seen his future called into question on a regular basis over recent months.
Manchester United are reported to be among his many suitors, with the Red Devils still in the market for proven defensive additions following a frustrating summer transfer window.
Jose Mourinho is known to be a big fan of Varane and would welcome him onto the books at Old Trafford.
The man who has tasted La Liga and Champions League glory with Madrid and a World Cup triumph with France is, however, in no hurry to leave his current surroundings.
Varane told Canal+: “I am very happy at Real Madrid. I am focused 100 per cent on the present.”
That present sees Madrid enduring an alarming dip, with a four-game winless run having seen them fail to find the target.
It is up to Varane and co to turn the tide, with the Blancos determined to chase down more major honours in 2018-19.
There could be further individual awards to be collected in the Spanish capital as well, with Luka Modric having already landed the FIFA Best prize.
The Ballon d’Or is the next major gong to be handed out, with it suggested that Varane – on the back of his exploits for club and country this year – should be in contention alongside the usual suspects of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Antoine Griezmann, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Pressed on whether he would consider himself a contender, Varane said: “It’s true that when you look at the trophies, it’s hard to do better.
“Back in March we [Madrid] weren’t guaranteed to enjoy a good season and now we are talking about me being in contention for the Ballon d’Or, so I’m happy. But we aren’t the ones who decide.”
Varane added on the value he places on individual recognition: “There are people obsessed with it but it’s a team sport. We showed that at Real last season, we were united and won the Champions League that way.
“It’s hard for me to give you a favourite as most of those involved are my team-mates. At the World Cup, all of our players all performed really well.”