Real Madrid are considering making a move for Lens defender Raphael Varane, who has been linked with a €10.5 million move to Manchester United.
L'Equipe reports that the Spanish giants will use Zinedine Zidane's French connections to lure the 18-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The World Cup winner is an advisor to Madrid president Florentino Perez, and it is believed that he will utilise his position and knowledge of French football to broker a deal with Lens.
However, reports have claimed United made an official offer for Varane, who has also been linked with Manchester City, Paris-Saint Germain, Lille and Lyon.
If Madrid proceed with their efforts to sign the player, Jose Mourinho would have to guarantee Varane regular action, as on Wednesday the France Under-21 international said he would consider offers in tandem with the proposal of first-team football.
"What interests me is playing regularly and so I have to think carefully and go to a club that will allow me to progress," he told the press.
United meanwhile, have Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand as their first-choice centre-half pairing, and with Chris Smalling and new signing Phil Jones also competing for a spot in the starting line-up, competition for places is also likely to be hotly-contested at Old Trafford.
