Lens president dismisses speculation over Raphael Varane homecoming

Raphael Varane is looking for a new club ahead of his Manchester United departure later this month.

Varane, 31, will see his contract expire at the end of June. He will be able to join a new club in a Bosman deal.

One potential destination for Varane is Lens,  but the club’s president has played down talk of a deal.

Varane’s professional career began at Lens after coming through the academy. He left in 2011 before becoming one of the world’s best defenders at Real Madrid where he lifted the Champions League four times.

Joseph Oughourlian held a press conference on Friday. He told reporters (via Manchester World): “I don’t have this information that the deal is advanced. I don’t recognise what a lot of articles are saying.

“For an investment like that, someone would probably have consulted me. For the fan that I am, it’s my dream. For the president, there is no negotiation, we will have to see the financial elements.”

Varane would have to take a significant pay cut to return to Lens, where his incredible career started.

Varane’s track record with injuries doesn’t read too well, but I don’t think he will find it difficult to find a new club once an agreement can be reached over his salary.

I wouldn’t rule out a move to the Saudi Pro League for Varane.

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