Real Madrid have reportedly shortlisted former player Raphael Varane as they seek mid-season coverage for David Alaba, as per Spanish outlet Sport (page 20).
The Austrian became the third Los Blancos player to tear his anterior cruciate ligament over the weekend, joining teammates Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao in the treatment room for the campaign-ending injury.
Now, Carlo Ancelotti and co. are tasked with finding suitable coverage for the sidelined defenders to ensure they see out a successful second half of the campaign, in which they’ll look to claim a 15th European title and reign victorious in La Liga once again.
How Varane fares at Old Trafford currently
Varane, 30, has fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford this term – much to fans’ surprise – and has dropped behind the likes of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order, which is said to have left him feeling ‘forced out’.
The four-time Champions League started the past two matches but prior to that, was named in the starting 11 for just one of the previous 13 games. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season but United do have the option of triggering a one-year extension.
