Real Madrid sign French defender Varane from Lens

Real Madrid have agreed to sign French defender Raphael Varane from Lens on a six-year contract, the Spanish club said on Monday.

The 18-year-old youth international made his debut in Ligue 1 with Lens last November and went on to make 23 league appearances.

Local media reported Jose Mourinho's side would pay around 10 million euros.

The towering centre back, who can also operate in a midfield holding role, will be competing with players such as Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay for a place in the centre of defence next season.

Varane is Real's fourth signing of the close season after Turkish midfielders Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop, and Spanish striker Jose Callejon.