On Wednesday, Bild reporter Christian Falk came up with a surprise claim that Real Madrid are interested in Manchester United’s Raphaël Varane in the winter market.
Earlier this month, Los Blancos centre-back David Alaba suffered a knee injury and is set to miss the rest of the season. He’s joined Éder Militão in the treatment room as the latter has been out of action since August.
AS state the La Liga side are looking for a new centre-back and the Manchester United star is an option for them next month.
The 30-year-old’s name is not yet on the table at Real Madrid but the newspaper states their coaching staff, lead by Carlo Ancelotti, ‘would welcome’ him back.
The Frenchman spent a decade at the Santiago Bernabéu before joining the Red Devils in 2021. He has struggled with fitness in the last two seasons and has been overlooked by Erik ten Hag for most part of this season.
Despite not having an ‘easy career’ at Manchester United, Ancelotti would welcome his signing because Varane has proved at the highest level and would need no time to adapt in Madrid.
AS state it would also be a ‘good operation’ for Real Madrid, who could sign Varane ‘at a much lower price or even for free’.
When Varane’s move to Old Trafford was made official, Manchester United confirmed he has signed a deal until 2025. Recent claims in the UK have reported the last year is optional, meaning the player could leave for free after this season.
The defender currently earns €15m net per year at Manchester United, which is €7m more than his last salary at Real Madrid.
This, as per the report, is the ‘main handicap’ for Ancelotti’s side to bring Varane back to the club.
