Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is set to take over from Pepe as a first choice centre back at the club, according to daily Spanish sports paper Marca.
The Frenchman, who has been at the club for four years, has had to play an understudy role throughout much of his Santiago Bernabeu career, featuring only when Sergio Ramos or Pepe were injured, suspended or in need of a rest.
The 22-year-old had grown tired of his lack of progression at the club and was believed to be considering his options, with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho reportedly ready to sign him for the second time in his career.
But Marca says new Los Blancos boss Rafa Benitez believes the time is right for Varane to be a regular starter for the 10-time Champions League winners. The former Lens star played regularly for Carlo Ancelotti last season and actually featured more than Pepe – 3047 minutes compared to 2765. Blessed with blistering pace and excellent reading of the game, Varane looks set to cement his place in the side next season.
Injury has halted his progression at Real, but since he joined in 2011, Varane has played 117 games for Los Merengues scoring six goals along the way.
