Raphael Varane has told friends he is ready to leave Real Madrid.

Varane has been left angered by Madrid's apparent lack of effort to retain his services, given his contract is due to expire next summer.

AS says the defender has already told trusted people that his cycle is over and that he wants to face new challenges away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

News of Varane's unrest has set a host of Premier League giants on red alert, namely Manchester United and Chelsea.

The two teams are in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer, with Ole Gunnar Solskajer said to be on the lookout for a new long-term partner for Harry Maguire.

Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, new boss Thomas Tuchel is understood to be keen to fill out his defensive options, while remaining mindful of the age of veteran star Thiago Silva, who will be 37 in September.