Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is in the news as his contract with Los Blancos enters the final year and clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea are highly interested in roping in the French centre back.

The France International is yet to reach an agreement with the club over a contract extension and hence the situation is slightly sticky for him as well. Reports suggest that there are chances of him taking a shot at a new challenge in the Premier League but the 28-year-old clarifies that he has not thought about that far yet.

He interacted with the media at the press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League semi finals clash against Chelsea and there he assured the fans that he is committed to the Royal Whites for now. He said, My future is clear. I am focused on the end of this season.

“We are in a very intense and key moment.”

When enquired about his future at the club, he added, “It is normal that my focus is on the end of the season. The message to the fans is that I am 100 percent committed to the team.

“We have challenges that encourage us a lot. I am focused on giving everything on the field.”

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane made a conscious effort to silence the rumours and assured that the French defender is a vital cog in this team.

Varane has been with the team for the last decade and has won 18 major trophies which include three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. He has been one of the best and most consistent defenders around the world as he has formed a formidable partnership with captain Sergio Ramos in the heart of the backline.

The interest from Chelsea and Manchester United is very justified as they know that he is in the last year of his contract with the club and therefore they are looking to lure him away from Madrid. Chelsea needs a leader as Thiago Silva won’t be their long term fix considering his age and also signing the World Cup winner will be a statement of intent that they want to do well in Europe regularly. For the Red Devils the thing is a little different, they will mostly sell Eric Bailly this summer and they need someone who can add more steel to their backline and can compliment Harry Maguire and Varane can be the perfect man for this role. However, a move to the Premier League looks off at the moment as he still wants to be a part of Zidane’s Real Madrid but in future, there is a possibility for sure.