Raphael Varane has told teammates he ‘plans to leave’ Real Madrid

And everything seemed to be going so perfect since Zinedine Zidane returned...

Speculation over Raphael Varane's future has ramped up amid reports the Real Madrid defender is prepared to leave the club in the summer. The Frenchman has been a favourite of Zinedine Zidane in both his boss' spells at the Bernabeu but the coach is said to be powerless to prevent Varane's departure if his heart is set on it. L'Equipe broke the news that the player wanted a fresh challenge and change of scenery after almost eight years in Madrid and now MARCA claim that he has told teammates it is a real possibility. "I don't feel like talking about my future," he told reporters on Wednesday after the speculation began. "I'm not in the habit of talking publicly about my future." Reports suggest he has told close friends in the Real dressing room that he wants to take his time in plotting his next move, with Manchester United one team linked during Jose Mourinho's time at Old Trafford. Of course, there is also the chance he is simply bargaining for a new contract. Varane's last extension came in 2017 and he has since collected another Champions League and Club World Cup title, while making the centre-back berth alongside Sergio Ramos his own. In total, Varane has claimed four European crowns and two LaLiga titles before playing a major role in France's 2018 World Cup win.