Real Madrid Transfer News: Exit Rumours Surface Around Raphael Varane, Isco

European clubs are circling the signatures of two of Real Madrid's most valued young stars, and reports insist Los Merengues will be pressed to keep hold of Raphael Varane and Isco next summer.

French newspaper Le 10 Sport claims Manchester United aren't concerned by the damage that may have been done by this summer's David De Gea saga and will launch a bid for Varane in 2016 (via talkSPORT).

Varane has started in each of Real Madrid's La Liga outings so far this season, partnering captain Sergio Ramos in central defence as Rafa Benitez has kept ageing defender Pepe on the bench.

United have long been linked as admirers of the France international, and football writer Rik Sharma provided quotes from Real president Florentino Perez earlier in September confirming the Reds were interested in his services this summer:

The start of this season suggests Pepe will sit as third choice in the team's pecking order this term, providing Varane with the opportunity he needs to establish himself as a certain starter. 

Speaking to French weekly Journal du Dimanche last week, Varane confirmed former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson chased his talents in 2011 before deciding on a move to Madrid from Lens, per Eurosport's Toby Keel:

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"It was the craziest time of my life; I was revising for the baccalaureate, the phone wouldn’t stop ringing, I visited Real’s facilities, met Alex Ferguson," he said. 

It was the phone call from Zidane which convinced him to move from Lens to the Spanish giants - despite the fact that he cheekily told the World Cup-winning legend to call him back because he was busy revising.

"It was my insouciance which made me do that," he admitted.

"It actually made me strong: you have to be a bit cheeky to cope with that sort of pressure at such a young age. 

"But to be honest after that phone call my head was elsewhere. I didn't get any revision done at all."

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United manager Louis van Gaal may not have an ace in the hole of Zidane's standards, but should there be any signs the centre-back is unsettled at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Premier League giants will be sure to pounce.

The Red Devils were also strongly linked with Varane's team-mate Sergio Ramos this summer prior to his contract extension, ultimately opting not to make any major signings in central defence.

Season	Games	Starts
2011-12	15	13
2012-13	33	28
2013-14	23	17
2014-15	46	36

Pepe will turn 33 before the 2015-16 campaign comes to a close, and it would be an odd move for Real to cash in on his natural successor, 22-year-old Varane, just when a veteran is bowing out of the team.

Real and United went to war this summer and each came away with resources completely intact, but the English titans will be hoping to strengthen next summer at Los Blancos' expense. 

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

Benitez must also be on guard in his effort to retain the talents of midfield magician Isco, who's reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester City.

That's according to Spanish newspaper Sport, alleging Spain international Isco is frustrated at the capital outfit after struggling to carve out his place in the starting XI (via the Mirror's Liam Corless).

MIGUEL RIOPA/Getty Images

The 23-year-old made 53 appearances last season but played the full 90 minutes in just 22 of those outings, and he has been played out of position for long stretches of his two-year tenure at the Bernabeu.

Isco nevertheless boasts a reputation as a potent playmaker in the Real Madrid squad, however, after WhoScored.com outlined just how reliable a creative asset he's been over recent years:

Any club looking to sign the maestro will have to negotiate their way around the €150 million release clause in his contract, which runs until 2018, according to Sport's Alejandro Alcazar.

Club supporters have a lot of affection for Isco, according to Real Madrid TV presenter Rhiannon Jones, despite the fact the likes of Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez may supersede him in Benitez's first-team lineup:

Mateo Kovacic arrived at the Bernabeu this summer to provide more competition in creative midfield alongside the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Rodriguez, giving the likes of Arsenal and City hope of contending for his signature.

Isco be on the fringe of Real's starting XI at times, but Real will nonetheless value him as a superb option and not one they're likely to let leave their ranks easily.