Transfer news: Raphael Varane says he rejected move to Man Utd after they signed Phil Jones

Raphael Varane: Moved to Real Madrid ahead of Manchester United

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane claims he turned down a move to Manchester United because they signed Phil Jones.

Varane was one of the hottest young properties in Europe after breaking through at Lens and United, along with a host of other top clubs, were chasing his signature.

The Frenchman ended up leaving for Real Madrid in the summer of 2011 after United decided to sign Jones from Blackburn Rovers.

"Manchester United? They had just signed Phil Jones in my position," Varane told L'Equipe.

Varane also revealed he rejected overtures from Paris Saint-Germain to make the move to Real Madrid after being convinced by Jose Mourinho that the Spanish capital was the right place for him.

"The project [at PSG] wasn't clear. The Qataris had only just arrived and it was all very vague," added Varane.

"My first reaction when Real wanted to sign me was not, 'Of course I will go'. I only made my decision when I knew that the coach wanted me to play in the first team."