In the summer, AS Saint-Étienne were optimistic of convincing Queens Park Rangers to sell Jonathan Varane. The French side weren’t successful with their pursuit, and he remained at the London club.
The midfielder has been a regular under Julien Stéphan this season. Last month, claims from France stated the QPR player can be an ideal target for Saint-Étienne in the winter market.
Four days ago, Evect reported the Ligue 2 side have initiated contact to sign the 24-year-old. Recent claims from the UK even stated QPR have rejected an offer. That was on the basis of a loan with a €6m purchase clause, linked to promotion to Ligue 1.
Peuple-Vert, a website focusing its coverage on Saint-Étienne, relays this and then provides the French club’s take.
No offer has been submitted for QPR player
Saint-Étienne have made ‘no offer’ to QPR. They add the club haven’t even reestablished contact with the Championship side or the Frenchman’s agent.
Saint-Étienne have highly rated him since last summer, but currently there are no negotiations to sign Varane.
They are looking for a defensive midfielder this month, and the QPR player isn’t their priority. This could be down to Varane currently being on the sidelines with an injury.
Should Saint-Étienne decide to pursue Varane either in January or for next season, it will not be an easy task.
The player has a contract until 2030, and QPR are only open to holding talks as long as it’s for a permanent transfer. The report adds the English club are refusing to sell Varane for a nominal fee.
In addition to this, there are other clubs in the picture to sign the QPR player. AEK Athens are among those who have expressed interest in a potential transfer.
In short, Saint-Étienne have to overcome competition and convince Stéphan’s side, if they wish to sign Varane. And, of course, actually make an offer.
