Major twist in Raphael Varane’s Manchester United future emerges

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is set to become a free agent next summer as his current deal runs out in 2024, according to The Athletic.

Varane’s contract was believed to run till 2025 but the Frenchman has entered the final few months of his deal at Old Trafford, although United still have the right to trigger a one-year extension.

The 30-year-old is currently facing an uncertain future and could start speaking to foreign clubs when the January window opens next month.

Varane has dropped down Erik ten Hag’s pecking order of late due to a combination of lack of fitness and form, but he was handed a rare start in Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while a return to former side Lens has also been mooted.

With United currently planning to sign a new centre-back in 2024, it would be no surprise if the Red Devils opted against retaining the services of Varane given his sizeable annual pay of around £13 million.

Nice’s Jean Clair-Todibo is high on United’s wishlist, while Benfica youngster Antonio Silva is not short of admirers in the red half of Manchester.

Crashing out from the Champions League at such an early stage is set to take its toll on United’s finances and any January additions could be contingent on major departures.

Meanwhile, Varane is not the only Frenchman who could be on his way out of Old Trafford soon with Anthony Martial also well-placed to depart the Theatre of Dreams on a free transfer next summer.

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