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'I always want Mbappe in my team' - Varane furthers Real Madrid speculation

Rafael Varane said that he would always like to see Kylian Mbappe as his team-mate amid rumours that the French striker could move to Real Madrid.

The Paris Saint-Germain star was linked with a move all summer, having hinted at a potential transfer by discussing his desire for "a new project".

However, as the summer wore on, those rumours died down, with Mbappe committing to remaining with PSG.

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The forward's France team-mate Varane admitted that Mbappe hasn't asked him about any potential move but, if he does, he'll steer him towards joining Real Madrid.

"I always want Mbappe in my team," Varane told El Transistor.

"If he asks me one day, I will just say good things about Real Madrid."

Mbappe has been battling injuries at start the season, having missed all but five of PSG's matches so far while also being withdrawn from France's most recent squad for upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Iceland on Friday and against Turkey on Monday.

Varane and Real Madrid, meanwhile, have struggled in the Champions League, although the club currently sits atop La Liga.

Pressure always mounts following any sort of struggle at Real Madrid, but Varane says that he sees improvement when it comes to the group's defensive issues.

"We are very competitive and there is always a desire to keep winning. Maybe mental fatigue can happen like what happened last year," he said.

"Also, to play at Real Madrid there is always pressure to be hungry and play with the intention of winning."

He added: "Conceding goals is not just the fault of the defender, it is something that depends on the whole team.

"In recent matches, it has been improved but it's more than a problem of just relaxing, it's a problem that tells us to maintain the level throughout the match."

Following the international break, Real Madrid are set to face Mallorca ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Galatasaray.

PSG, meanwhile, will face Club Brugge in their Champions League return following a Ligue 1 clash with Nice.

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