Varane is close to Real Madrid

The signing of Raphael Varane (18 years old, central defender of Lens) for Real Madrid could be announced today. This was said yesterday afternoon at Radio Montecarlo: "The signing of Varane for Real is practically closed and is scheduled to be made official on Wednesday". Mourinho wanted Varane for his ability to play the ball played from the defense zone (also has played in the Lens as midfielder) and his splendid physical which will allow him to progress a lot in the hands of Portuguese coach.

In fact, Mourinho considers his new signing as the first central defender of the team to substitute Carvalho, so he will compete with Albiol as the third central of the template, which opens the exit door to Garay and Mateos. Mourinho does not want to loan him the next season to a French team. Coach wants to work with him this summer.

All day yesterday, Madrid, Lens and the player's agent had been negotiating. The white club gave payment guarantees to the French team and the transfer will be closed between 9 and 10 million euros, plus variables amounts of money for targets. In addition, Varane will sign a five-years contract, until 2016.

Zidane's role in this signing has been decisive. Manchester United, which had offered 10.5 million euros, and the PSG were very interested in the player. Varane was in Madrid last week to see the facilities of Real Madrid with Zidane as host. The player will face today his latest examination of high school. His father, who at the same time is his agent, has tried to keep him isolated these days so he can finish the studies.

Raphael Varane