Real Madrid 'refuse to sell Raphael Varane to Manchester City'

Real Madrid are reportedly set to ignore any offers for Raphael Varane amid speculation linking the Frenchman with a move to Manchester City.

The 26-year-old has established a reputation as one of the world's top defenders during his time at the Bernabeu and has registered two goals and one assist from 23 league appearances this term.

Recent reports have suggested that City are in the market for a new centre-back this summer, with John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi struggling for consistency amid Aymeric Laporte's injury woes.

However, Defensa Central claims that Zinedine Zidane has identified Varane as the man to take over from Sergio Ramos as Los Blancos captain, and as a result they will rebuff any attempts to prise the defender away from La Liga.

The report also states that Real are looking to tie the France international down to a new deal when possible, with Varane's current contract at the Bernabeu set to expire in 2022.

The centre-back has chalked up 309 appearances for Los Blancos since arriving from Lens in 2011.