RIDE THE RAPH Raphael Varane will quit Manchester United in a shock transfer, with the ex-Real Madrid player aiming for a move to Saudi Arabia or Italy.
RAPHAEL VARANE will depart Manchester United, but not until the summer.
The French defender has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, and some reports have indicated he could be sold in January.
But, according to SunSport, Erik ten Hag would not let the player depart until the end of the season as he plans an attack on the top four.
And, contrary to reports that Varane is interested in returning to Real Madrid, sources suggest he is more interested in a move to Italy or Saudi Arabia, as part of the latest exodus of superstar players.
“The days of Raphael Varane at Manchester United are numbered, and the clock is ticking on his future,” our insider added.”He started the season as a first-team player, but now he’s fourth in the pecking order behind Jonny Evans.”
“Leaving suits club and player, but he won’t be going anywhere in January.
“Ten Hag wants to keep the spine of his squad together to give United the best chance of making the top four. But in the summer, United will listen to offers.
“There’s already interest from Saudi Arabia where Varane could pocket a massive uplift in his wages. But he’s also keen on Italy as it’s a league he admires and would love to be a part of.”
The Frenchman has fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag in recent weeks, losing his place to Evans and Harry Maguire.
Signed from Real Madrid in 2021, the Frenchman was expected to play a key role in United’s quest to return to the top of English football. He formed a decent partnership with Lisandro Martinez last season, only to lose his place in the side despite denying claims that he and Ten Hag had a falling out.
He is expected to cost between £17 and £20 million.
Varane is one of Manchester United’s highest-paid players, earning roughly £340,000 per week and trailing Marcus Rashford and Casemiro, who has also been linked with a move.
Ten Hag refuted earlier this month that he and Varane had a falling out after starting him in only one of United’s last eight games.
“I chose these partnerships for tactical reasons,” the Dutchman asserted. I believe Harry and Jonny performed admirably.
“As I mentioned last year, Harry didn’t play much, so I was very pleased with Rapha’s performances.” “I’ve always been pleased with his performance.”
