Real Madrid starlet Raphael Varane claims he never came close to moving to the Premier League this summer. The 18-year-old defender was hot property once the transfer window reopened, with Europe's top clubs desperate to secure his signature. Various reports suggested Manchester United were keen on the Frenchman, while Barcelona, Paris St Germain and Real were also believed to be leading the chase. In the end Varane opted for a move to the Spanish capital, instead of the French one. He claims PSG and Real were the only clubs he gave consideration to, with a move to England never really on the cards. "It was sorted out very quickly with Real," Varane told L'Equipe. Interest "At the start there was a lot of interest from Manchester, but in my mind there was only a choice between Paris and Real. "The choice was simple in the end because the Paris shareholders wanted me, not the coach. If the coach had come to me and said, 'Here is my project for you', things might have been different. "The arrival of the Qataris also made things messy and a little unclear. "Before I signed for Real, I met (Jose) Mourinho in Madrid. He told me, 'If you come, it is to be a part of the group and not to go out on loan'. He was very clear and it is reassuring when Jose Mourinho tells you that. "I am now looking to improve. I want to play as often as possible, but without rushing myself. "I can't see myself being a part of the starting XI straight away. That is not possible. First of all I have to adapt."
