Raphael Varane ‘makes final decision’ on leaving Man Utd as two options emerge
Man Utd are making huge changes ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe coming into the club | Football Digest
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has reportedly decided to leave Old Trafford, but could be forced to wait until the summer transfer window with two options emerging for his signature. The Frenchman has fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag, with Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof all preferred ahead of the former Real Madrid star.
His standing in the squad has prompted rumours that he may leave in January, but The Sun have claimed that while he has decided to quit the Red Devils – Ten Hag will only sanction a sale at the end of the season.
The Dutchman is counting on Varane to be part of his squad as they look to finish in the top four, despite an injury crisis at the back that has at times decimated United’s defence.
Two options have emerged for Varane as he looks for a new club. Saudi Arabian teams represent some of the few clubs who would be interested in the 30-year-old with his high wage demands, while he is also interested in a move to Italy as Serie A clubs could begin to circle.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive Man Utd news.
JUST IN Tottenham eye £17m transfer discount as Chelsea ‘agreement’ comes to light[LIVE]
United are looking for between £17-20million should they part ways with Varane, though despite reports of a rift Ten Hag has insisted that his exclusion from the team in recent weeks have been due to tactical reasons.
“It is about tactical reasons why I chose these partnerships,” he said after United’s 1-0 win over Luton. “I think Harry and Jonny did well. What I said last year, Harry didn’t play a lot, so I was very happy with Rapha’s performances. I have always been happy with his performance.”
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Don’t miss…
Man Utd takeover fear emerges as Jim Ratcliffe insiders worry over fresh delay[LATEST]
Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces Glazer frustration as Griezmann transfer claim made[LIVE]
Man Utd to give Erik ten Hag and club’s fanbase a very early Christmas present[COMMENT]
Bayern Munich had been another team linked with a potential move for Varane, but it is thought that his wage demands are too high for the Bundesliga champions as he hopes to pocket £17m a year.
Interestingly, in March he stated that he plans to retire at one of the three clubs he’s played for during his illustrious career – Lens, Real Madrid or United.
“I will finish my career either in Madrid, or in Manchester, or in Lens,” he said. “I will not move to another club [other than those]. But Madrid seems complicated to me. Players don’t usually go back there. The most likely outcome today is that I will finish [my club career] in either Manchester or Lens.”
Source: Read Full Article