Zidane speaks out against star's move as Manchester United close in

Zinedine Zidane has urged Raphael Varane to remain at Real Madrid, despite reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

Express Sport understands Jose Mourinho will take charge of United in the summer, penning a £47million three-year deal.

And one of his top targets is reportedly Varane, whom he signed during his time as Real boss from French side Lens.

This season, Varane has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place and has started just 18 games, adding to the speculation that he could leave.

And the 21-year-old recently vented his frustrations to French newspaper L'Equipe, suggesting he didn't know if he would remain at the Bernabeu.

"I would like to play every game, the coach knows what I want, but it's up to him to make the decisions," he told L'Equipe.

"It's pointless making long-term plans in football. I'm happy in Madrid but I want to keep improving to go to the next level so we'll see how my situation develops."

Zidane has since responded to the centre-back's claims and has urged him to remain with the La Liga side, calling him 'the future' of the club.

"I spoke to Mourinho when he was here [to advise him about his signing] but he made the decision to sign him," Zidane explained.

"What I can say is that he is a Real Madrid player and I want him to stay with us all his life because he's the future of Real Madrid."