Raphael Varane has been the subject of interest from European giants Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, as both clubs look to patch over their debilitating injury woes.
The Manchester United stalwart had fallen significantly out of favour in recent months, falling behind the likes of Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order. However, two of the centre-backs sustaining injuries has led to Varane retaining a starting role alongside Evans in two of the past three Premier League matches; he partnered Willy Kambwala against West Ham United.
Whether or not the Frenchman will maintain his place in the starting 11 when sidelined players return remains to be seen, but it’ll certainly be playing on his mind amidst potential January approaches from Bayern and Madrid – both of whom progressed to the Champions League last-16 and are mounting real title charges in the second half of the term.
David Alaba was the latest to fall victim to the ACL crisis at the Santiago Bernabeu, along with Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois. The two defenders face long-term layoffs and, consequently, Carlo Ancelotti is seeking reinforcements in the backline. He’s seemingly shortlisted an ex-flame in the form of Varane and could come knocking when the window opens next month.
Tuchel ready to rival Ancelotti for Varane
Similarly, Bayern will be forced to navigate the absences of Kim Min-jae and Noussair Mazraoui when the duo depart for the Asian Cup and African Cup of Nations respectively in the new year.
Varane, 30, is believed to be available for a fee of around €20 million, as per ESPN. His contract expires at Old Trafford at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, though United do hold the option of triggering a one-year extension.
