Lens defender heads to Real

Lens president Gervais Martel has confirmed central defender Raphael Varane will join Real Madrid.

Varane, 18, enjoyed a solid campaign for Lens last season, making 23 appearances for the club who were relegated to Ligue 2.

He is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe, and was reportedly a potential target for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

But Martel confirmed on Wednesday that Varane would be linking up with Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu.

“Even if Lens had stayed in Ligue 1, Raphael Varane would have left because he is a phenomenon,” Martel said.

“He is going to play for Real Madrid under the leadership of Jose Mourinho who he has already met, just as he has (club adviser) Zinedine Zidane.”

“Raphael is an exceptional boy. I am proud that he is going to don the Real colours.”

“He has been pursued by Real for the past two months, he was welcomed by Real and he visited their facilities. He told me: ‘I cannot turn down such an opportunity’.”