United stalwart’s agents approached Real Madrid over potential January move – report

A report from Spain suggests that Raphael Varane was mulling over a return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

As per Defensa Central, the Frenchman’s agents approached Real Madrid in recent weeks to discuss the prospect of him rejoining the 14-time European champions.

It comes after a dismal first half of the term with Manchester United in which they exited the Champions League and Carabao Cup prior to Christmas, and currently sit ninth-placed in the Premier League ahead of their return to action tomorrow.

Varane, 30, sparked transfer speculation earlier in the campaign after he fell in the pecking order behind the likes of Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof. When those centre-backs endured layoffs through injury, the World Cup winner was able to cement a starting role.

His contract expires in June and as it stands, he’ll be departing Old Trafford as a free agent. United have opted against triggering his one-year extension and are keen to reduce the wage bill; Varane is currently the club’s second-highest earner – behind Casemiro – on a reported £340,000 per week.

Varane to stay at United until the summer

The La Liga giants, however, have no interest in acquiring their former stalwart back in the fold. While Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to navigate an injury-ridden squad, he expects long-term absentee Eder Militao to be available soon and is currently relying on Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez.