Raphael Varane: I nearly joined Manchester United

The France international sealed a move from Lens for a reported €10m (£7.9m) but admitted it could all have turned out differently if he had not opted for the Bernabeu.

“We came close to an agreement with Manchester United. My mother speaks English and this made translating things much easier,” the 21-year-old told Telefoot.

“There was an interesting project on offer but I made a choice for y career and I think I can go even higher now.

“I’d be happy to tell myself I did the best I could and went as far as I could during my career.”

United boss Louis van Gaal has been linked with a January swoop for Varane, although his hopes of landing him suffered a setback in September when the youngster penned a six-year extension to his contract with the Spanish giants.