Zidane predicts Varane success

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Zinedine Zidane has backed Raphael Varane to be a success at Real Madrid.

Defender Varane is expected to complete a move from Lens to the Bernabeu early next week with Zidane, who is an advisor to Madrid president Florentino Perez, instrumental in luring his countryman to Spain.

And the former Juventus and Madrid midfielder is confident the 18-year-old will blossom under Jose Mourinho after comparing him to former France centre-half, and current Les Bleus boss, Laurent Blanc.

Zidane said: "He is a very promising player and was an obvious target for a club such as Real Madrid seeking talent."

"He is a player I like very much and in many ways resembles Laurent Blanc. I haven't seen many players like that."

"Varane has a great future. The fact many top clubs wanted him is an indication he has talent."

"I am also happy because he is French. I know people in France would have liked him to stay here but I am just doing my job."

Varane made 23 appearances for Lens last season but could not prevent them from suffering relegation to Ligue 2.

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