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‘I’m sorry’: Leboeuf gives verdict on £51.7m rated star who Chelsea are reportedly interested in

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Frank Leboeuf admitted he did have doubts over Raphael Varane amid suggested intrigue from Chelsea.

Speaking on ESPN, Leboeuf gave his opinion on the Real Madrid defender, who is under great transfer scrutiny from the Blues and Manchester United.

Varane’s contract with Madrid runs out next June and there are serious doubts whether he will sign an extension.

Real Madrid v Villarreal CF - La Liga Santander
Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

As the summer window gradually closes shut, clubs want to move for the French centre-back before it’s too late.

Manchester United are said to be front runners, however Eurosport reported that Chelsea are keeping a firm eye on the situation as well.

Whoever wants to sign him first will have to splash at least £51.7m (Telegraph), which, for a player of his stature and experience, isn’t a bad price.

Frank assessment

Whilst the Premier League giants jostle for the 28-year-old’s signature, Leboeuf was concerned that Varane couldn’t perform without his long-term Madrid partner, Sergio Ramos.

Real Madrid v Atalanta Bergamo - UEFA Champions League
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Chelsea’s former centre-half said: “I like Varane. He showed during the 2018 World Cup that he is capable of leading the defence and doing a great job.

“But I’m sorry, without Ramos, Real Madrid defence wasn’t the same this season and Varane was leading the defence.

“He is an international player and he won many silverwares.”

Chelsea obvious choice

Winning things has come as second nature to Varane across his career.

Real Madrid v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final
Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images

After signing for Madrid in 2011, he secured four Champions League, three La Liga’s, three UEFA Super Cups and four Spanish domestic cups.

Not to mention the World Cup with France three years ago.

Therefore, if he wanted to continue his trophy streak, there seems only one sensible option of which team to join next.

United’s most recent major silverware success was the Europa League in 2017.

In that same period, Chelsea have claimed the Champions League, Premier League, Europa League, and the FA Cup.

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