Manchester United Transfer News: Zinedine Zidane Talks Raphael Varane Rumours

Manager Zinedine Zidane has moved to quieten speculation linking Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane with a move to Manchester United and predicted the defender will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu "all his life."

TalkSPORT reported United's long-term target could be chased with even greater intent if former Real chief Jose Mourinho were to take over at Old Trafford this summer, but Zidane has other plans, saying: "For me, Raphael Varane will stay here all his life. He embodies the future of Real Madrid."

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It was Mourinho who signed Varane from French outfit Lens in 2011, taking charge of the defender's development for two years before he eventually left the Spanish capital in 2013.

It would undoubtedly help United's case in their pursuit of Varane if Mourinho were to be appointed as the successor to incumbent manager Louis van Gaal, but Zidane appears adamant to keep hold of his star.

It's little wonder, either, considering the 22-year-old has already won the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and one La Liga crown with Real Madrid, advancing his reputation as one of the world's brightest young centre-backs.

Sergio Ramos turns 30 in March, while team-mate Pepe turns 33 this month, meaning leader figures will be sought after in Madrid. Real president Florentino Perez has spoken highly of Varane in the past and recently told French magazine France Football he can be a future club captain (h/t Goal's Dom Farrell): "I am convinced that Varane will one day be captain of Real Madrid. He is adored by the fans. Not only is he a great player, he is also a great person."

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Varane has 22 appearances for Los Merengues this season, starting in all but three of those outings, and the signs suggest he's now a high-priority member of the club's defence.

David Cartlidge of beIN Sports supported the suggestion for the France international to one day wear Real Madrid's armband, although he noted the club's affection for Spanish-born leaders could hinder his bid:

Manchester United have turned to converted midfielder Daley Blind as a centre-back totem this term, starting the Dutchman alongside Chris Smalling to show just how low the squad is on elite defensive talent.

Yahoo's Andrew Gaffney highlighted Mourinho's influence on the player during their time together at Real Madrid, but it's also true Varane may be tempted to see out the current project developing under Zidane:

The Red Devils have been in the hunt to improve their centre-back ranks ever since Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both left Old Trafford in 2014, and Varane could rise to become one of Europe's best.

Still just 22 years of age and with 139 Real Madrid appearances to his name, Varane will be a difficult asset to prise away from the Bernabeu as long as compatriot and mentor Zidane gets his way.