The best teenager in France – all you need to know about Manchester United target Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane – Equipe de France Espoirs

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ANALYSIS
By Robin Bairner & Jonathan Birchall

With Manchester United reportedly set to sign 18-year-old Lens starlet Raphael Varane in the coming weeks, Goal.com has taken a look at the youngster to discover what he could bring to Sir Alex Ferguson’s title-winning side.

Described as the best teenager in France, the name of Raphael Varane has been known in his homeland, and in footballing circles, for several months. Manchester United attempted to close their grasp on the teenage starlet last summer, but he elected to sign a professional deal with Lens, whom he made his debut for amid an injury crisis earlier this season.

It is testament to his level that he’s since maintained his place in the starting XI of the northern side, establishing himself not only as a regular presence in the team, but also as a star player either in the centre of the defence or the attack. As Laszlo Boloni’s side have sunk disappointingly into Ligue 2, prompting protests from the fans that will culminate in a strike during this weekend’s fixture against Arles, the defender’s commitment and skill level has glowed like a beacon.

How much will he cost?

If United can secure Varane’s signature the deal is set to be a single figure sum, ranging anywhere from £5 million to £8m, with the Red Devils reportedly unwilling to match the French club’s £10m asking price, though negotiations are still ongoing.

However, United may not have it all their own way, with interest from a number of Ligue 1 clubs possibly scuppering their chances of signing the youngster.

Top clubs in France such as Lille and Paris Saint-Germain are ready to splash around £8.5m on the promising Under-21 international, but it is the Old Trafford outfit who lead the chase, though Varane isn’t yet definitely committed and there is talk of an immediate loan switch back to Le Championnat.

“We are thinking at this time what is best for me, for my progress and for my life balance,” he told RMC on Thursday. “But for now, nothing has been done. Everything is still possible and feasible.

“No other team in Europe makes me feel like Lille. It is true that they have had an exceptional season. I was born in Lille and I live not far from the stadium. It’s possible I could move there, but it’s not a priority.”

Where would he fit in?

Varane would certainly be a signing for the future, but as was found frequently this season, first-team opportunities are likely for the youngster due to the injury prone nature of Rio Ferdinand. United’s most prominent young centre-backs, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, have made 33 appearances between themselves since August.

Though he lacks in age, Lille-born Varane is certainly equipped with all the attributes that will allow him to make it to the top of the game. As one would expect, he is a technically reliable defender, but what is perhaps most impressive is his grasp of the tactical side of the game, as he is rarely drawn into a cheap error. Crucially for the rigours of Premier League football, he is also solidly built and is already able to compete with the majority of strikers in terms of raw strength.

Coming from a stable of promising young teenagers that also includes fellow centre-back Geoffrey Kondogbia and Thorgan Hazard, Eden’s 18-year-old brother, Varane still receives top billing, and given his outstanding contribution since breaking into the team in November, it is little wonder. 

A move for Varane would signal that Ferguson is set to continue his recent transfer strategy of signing young promising players from the club’s vast scouting network and moulding them into the United way of playing. Clearly, the signings of Smalling and in particular Javier Hernandez offer clear evidence of the advantages of such a tactic. However, flops such as Gabriel Obertan and Bebe are yet to prove their worth at Old Trafford and a move for Varane would offer a similar risk.

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