Raphael Varane: Where could World Cup winning defender go next? Including Manchester United, Juventus and PSG

Raphael Varane: Where could World Cup winning defender go next? Including Manchester United, Juventus and PSG
The news that Raphael Varane is reportedly considering his future at Real Madrid was a surprise to many.The Frenchman thrived under the reappointed Zinedine Zidane in his first stint in charge of Los Blancos – making his name as one of the finest central defenders on the planet.4

Varane reportedly wants to leave Real Madrid

The 25-year-old has won four Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey during a trophy-laden career in the Spanish capital.He also played an instrumental role in France’s World Cup triumph last summer.However, according to LEquipe, Varane is keen to explore new options after winning everything he possibly could in Spain – and this will have put a number of European giants on red-alert.But where could he go? talkSPORT.com has explored his potential suitors…

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Manchester United

Varane has been heavily linked with a move to United in recent years and this could be the perfect challenge for him.The Red Devils have undoubtedly improved under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but they are still miles behind their bitter rivals Man City and Liverpool at the moment.The arrival of Varane would be the perfect marquee signing to demonstrate their intent to reestablish themselves as a powerhouse in Europe.4

Varane and Lindelof could make a dominant pairing

Jose Mourinho was desperate to sign a new centre-back in the summer but he was never granted his wish. If Varane is unsettled it may be too good an opportunity for chief executive Ed Woodward to pass on?Victor Lindelof’s form has dramatically improved in recent months and a pairing with Varane is a mouthwatering prospect for the Old Trafford faithful, although it could spell the end for Chris Smalling or Phil Jones.

Juventus

Another club who have been linked with Varane is Juventus.The Italian champions have been spending big sums in the market in recent years, with the 100million signing of Cristiano Ronaldo a real statement of intent last summer.The Portuguese superstar fired the Old Lady to victory against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and they are once again among the favourites for the European crown.4

Rugani is a rising star of Juventus

However, should they fail to win the competition, who’s to say the Serie A side wont flash the cash again in the summer and go all out for Varane.Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are still extremely capable defenders, but they are 34 and 31 respectively and will eventually lose their legs.At least one replacement is needed and Varane could be the perfect signing for the future.He could form a dominant partnership with Juve’s already highly-rated defender Daniele Rugani.

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG will inevitably be on red-alert with the news that Varane has expressed his desire to leave Los Blancos.The French champions will still be reeling from their loss to Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-final and their failure in Europe could result in their owners breaking the bank in the summer.4

Veteran defender Silva will retire at the end of next season

Varane wants a new challenge and although it’s clear the French league doesn’t represent that, he could be tempted to return to his home country and guide the Paris outfit to glory in Europe.Furthermore, Thiago Silva is set to retire at the end of next season and a defender of his quality will need to be replaced with another leader – Varane represents that.

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