Lens president expects Manchester United target Raphael Varane to complete Real Madrid move today

Raphaël Varane

Related Links

Teams

Players

Real Madrid are in pole position for Raphael Varane after Lens confirmed talks for the 18-year-old centre-back are taking place.

Lens president Gervais Martel believes a deal could be completed soon, leaving Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain empty handed.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Martel said talks were gaining momentum.

“It’s not done officially with Real Madrid but talks are on track and hopefully it the transfer will happen today,” Martel said.

On Tuesday, Varane spoke of his admiration for Manchester United and Real Madrid in an exclusive interview with Goal.com. Reports have since suggested that Zinedine Zidane has talked with the player to help push a deal through.

“Madrid directors were very good to us, they have been speaking with the player. There is nothing that could go wrong,” Martel added.

Critics have tipped the defender to struggle at the Bernabeu, but the president believes he will thrive.

“Some believe that Raphael will not play there,” he said. “I can tell you he will not go to Real Madrid to repaint the changing rooms! Raphael is intelligent, everybody knows it. I want to emphasise the speaker was exceptional, in this case Zinedine Zidane.”

Previous reports suggested United had made a £9.2 million bid for the player, but Martel did not mention the Premier League side as Varane edges closer to Spain.