United target Varane in no hurry over Lens future

Posted Friday, May 06, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

LENS, France (AFP) - Lens' 18-year-old defender Raphael Varane, a reported target for Manchester United, said on Thursday that he was yet to make a decision about his future.

"I'm not worrying myself about this subject," said Varane, who will sit exams for his French baccalaureat this year.

"I know that I'm being followed but, for the time being, I've made no decision. I've not even discussed this with the president (Gervais Martel) yet."

Lens are currently second-bottom in the French first division, nine points from safety with only five matches to play, but Varane says that even a drop into Ligue 2 would not necessarily force him to leave Stade Felix-Bollaert.

"It's a league in which you learn things and it could allow me to gain playing time," said Varane, who made his debut for Lens this season and has since been capped at under-21 level.

"What's more, lots of players from France's under-21 team are first-choice players there and are picking up experience."

Aside from United, Varane has also been linked with a move to his home-town club, Lille, the current French league leaders.

"I'm from Lille, born in Lille, but I was trained at Lens and my heart is there," he said.

"I understand that there has already been contract between the two clubs, but I don't know anything more concrete.

"It's one of the offers, but I don't think it's a priority for me."

Quoted in an article on the website of French sport daily L'Equipe earlier on Thursday, Varane identified Champions League finalists United as one of the clubs that had made enquiries about his availability.

"My objective is to continue my progress," he said.

"I have no preference between going abroad, (staying in) Ligue 1 or staying here (Lens). There's just been contact between certain clubs and Lens. Manchester United are among them."