Manchester United transfer news: Raphael Varane reveals reasons for staying at Real Madrid

Raphael Varane has cited the importance of his development under Zinedine Zidane as the main reason why he turned down the chance to join Manchester United this summer.

United boss Jose Mourinho enquired after the French centre-back this summer after he struggled to dislodge Pepe and Sergio Ramos at the heart of Real's back-four last season.

But after holding talks with Zidane last week, Varane opted to remain at the Bernabeu for another season.

He said: "I am confident that I will continue to develop here, and my best is yet to come.

"I spoke with the club and Zizou. In life we must take decisions, and this summer I decided to stay because this is what I want, and because I am happy here."