Report: Raphael Varane close to Real Madrid return

French centre-back Raphael Varane is reportedly close to a first-team return for Real Madrid.

The 20-year-old has not played this season after undergoing knee surgery four months ago, but it had been suggested that he could return at the beginning of September.

That proved not to be the case, but according to Marca, the defender will resume training in the next couple of weeks.

Varane, who also missed the latter part of last season, is widely regarded as one of the best youngsters in world football.