Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane has said that it was "not easy" to reject the chance to link up with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
Mourinho brought highly-rated Varane to Real Madrid from Lens in 2011 and it is understood that the two have maintained a close relationship over the last few seasons.
Varane is believed to have been offered the chance to join Man United in the summer, but the Frenchman ultimately decided to remain in Madrid after talks with Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane.
"Manchester [United] is a very big club and it is flattering," Varane told Canal+. "But as Madrid and I continue to be in the process of my project, I do not even ask the question. It is not easy to say no to Jose Mourinho but you have to weigh up the pros and the cons."
Varane, 23, had to play second fiddle to Pepe and Sergio Ramos in the Real Madrid defence last season, but has started the 2016-17 campaign alongside Ramos at the heart of the back four.
Matt Law
