Real Madrid beat Manchester United to Lens defender Raphael Varane

By Telegraph staff and agencies10:38AM BST 23 Jun 2011Comments Lens president Gervais Martel has confirmed the 18 year-old is to join the La Liga giants. Varane is regarded as one of the most promising talents in Europe and United were reportedly tracking his progress. But it would appear he is Madrid-bound, with Martel claiming last night the Spaniards had won the race. He said: "Even if Lens had stayed in Ligue 1, Raphael Varane would have left because he is a phenomenon. "He is going to play for Real Madrid under the leadership of Jose Mourinho who he has already met, just as he has (club advisor) Zinedine Zidane. Related Articles

Source: Telegraph