Real Madrid win race for French hotshot; Agent confirms Juventus interest in Rossi

Real Madrid win race for French hotshot

Real Madrid have agreed to sign Lens defender Raphael Varane, according to L’Équipe.

The 18-year-old defender had expressed his desire to leave les Sang et Or following the club’s relegation to Ligue 2, but it was Manchester United who were believed to be leading the race for his signature.

However, Real Madrid managed to hijack United’s bid for the young prospect and have now reportedly reached an agreement to sign Varane.

As L’Équipe reports, los Merengues have agreed to pay Lens 10 million euros and have thus managed to beat United to the signing of the highly regarded youngster.

Varane will sign a five-year deal with los Blancos, with the transfer set to be officially announced later today.

The player will not be officially presented at Santiago Bernabeu until after Real Madrid return from the summer tour of China and United States.

Agent confirms Juventus interest in Rossi

The agent of Villarreal forward Giuseppe Rossi has confirmed that his client has been contacted by Juventus.

The Italian forward is looking for a new challenge and he has spoken of his desire to play for Barcelona, but it now looks that the Catalans are not ready to meet Villarreal’s asking price.

However, his agent has revealed that numerous clubs are interested in his client’s services.

“I spoke to Giuseppe yesterday. He is relaxed on vacation and is not thinking about these things right now,” Federico Pastorello told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“We need to wait and see how various transfer negotiations play out.

Pastorello admits that Juventus are one of the interested clubs.

“Do Juventus like him? I think a player of Rossi’s qualities is always going to sought-after. There are many clubs interested, not just Juventus.

“The fact remains he has a five-year contract with Villarreal and is happy to have signed it. For the rest, we’ll have to see.”

Lucio wants new Inter deal

Inter defender Lucio has revealed that he will only stay at Giuseppe Meazza if he is offered a new three-year deal.

The Brazilian is reportedly unsettled at Inter and has been heavily linked with a move to free-spending Malaga in the past few weeks.

However, the veteran defender doesn’t rule out the possibility of staying at Meazza after all.

“I want to remain at Inter but with the condition that my contract is extended until June 2014,” Lucio told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I trust in Inter, I am sure that the club will build a team capable of winning everything again.

“But, Moratti has to trust me, not look at my date of birth. I still have such force and a hunger for success.

“I just want a contract until 2014. My agent will surely reach agreement with the company about money.”

The Brazil international has then ruled out a move to Malaga.

“I’m not going to Malaga. I’m not looking for good last contract and money. I want to win big trophies. I am convinced that we will find an agreement with Inter.”

Lucio added that he would only move to a club with Champions League title aspirations.

“If I did leave, I would go to another club that have the will to win the Champions League.”

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