Manchester United have been keen to strengthen their central defence for quite some time - and Raphael Varane has recently emerged as a reported target.
The experienced French star is said to be keen to leave Real Madrid in search of a new challenge as they prepare for a summer rebuild with Old Trafford touted as a potential landing spot.
The centre-back has won four Champions League and two La Liga titles at the Bernabeu and established himself as one of the world's top defenders.
He was asked about his Real Madrid future as he linked up with France for the international break - and his response has done little to stop speculation he could be set for the exit.
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"I do not want to talk about my future," Varane told French newspaper Le Parisien.
"I am not one to discuss my future publicly."
His comments have excited United fans, with one stating he'll link up with the likes of Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial to help "Franchester United to win the Prem next year."
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Another said "Varane definitely wants to consider leaving and he's mostly likely to do so", adding "I think Varane knows how playing at Real Madrid he's always going to be defending last ditch and stay under extreme presure. Probably why he wants to go to a different team in Italy or England."
Despite keeping quiet about his plans, Varane did talk up the return of Zinedine Zidane as manager and backed him to silence his critics.
"Nine months is not a long time. It was as if it was yesterday," he added.
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"I appreciate him both as a person and as a coach. He has been very important to me.
"It is curious that there were the same doubts about him when he became a coach in January 2016 as there with me before the World Cup.
"He has managed to silence the critics and has shown his ability to lead the largest club in the world."
Varane has a contract at Real Madrid until 2022 but would attract significant interest if he looks to leave the club.
