Manchester United: Raphael Varane refuses to rule out Real Madrid exit

Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has not ruled out a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, insisting it is "pointless" making long-term plans over his future.

Varane, 21, was the subject of interest from Manchester United during last year's summer transfer window, only for Real president Florentino Perez to turn their approach away,as revealed in an interview with Cadena Ser in September. The France international has gone onto start just 18 games this season, however, and admits he is keen to play more games.

"I would like to play every game," Varane told L'Equipe. "The coach knows what I want, but it's up to him to make the decisions. "I've spent five years playing with the best and I've never lost heart. Without strength of character it's impossible to stay at Real Madrid."

"It's pointless making long-term plans in football. I'm happy in Madrid. I want to keep improving to go to the next level. We'll see how my situation develops, but I'm not having any headaches over it anyway."

The prospect of Jose Mourinho taking over at Old Trafford could play a pivotal role in the Frenchman's future. The Sun claimed in February that the Portuguese boss has identified the Frenchman as his first signing for Manchester United if he takes over from Louis van Gaal, as has been widely reported.

Those reports were addressed by Real boss Zinedine Zidane, but the former France international insisted the defender remains integral to his plans.

"I spoke to Mourinho when he was here [to advise him about his signing] but he made the decision to sign him. What I can say us that he is a Real Madrid player and I want him to stay with us all his life because he's the future of Real Madrid."

Mourinho signed Varane for Real in 2011, going on to hand him a starting role in his XI despite his tender years. Upon his return to Chelsea in 2013, Mourinho described the France international as the best young defender in world football, fuelling talk of a reunion at Stamford Bridge.