Raphael Varane has shocked the Real Madrid hierarchy by expressing his desire to leave after this season.
According to L’Equipe, the French defender is looking to make his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu with plenty of European outfits expressing interest in him.
Manchester United were earlier reported to be in pursuit of the centre-half along with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Harry Maguire. It was Jose Mourinho who was thought to have suggested Varane’s name to Ed Woodward and the rest of the United board.
However, the Portuguese manager was denied permission to make any additions and was fired from his position midway into the 2018/19 campaign. The Red Devils are yet to decide whether their caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be recalled on a permanent basis next term.
This could somehow play into Varane’s future with the La Liga giants. The Galacticos are already going through a woeful season after collecting 3 Champions League trophies back-to-back.
The most confusing aspect in this transfer drama is the timing. It has only been weeks since Zinedine Zidane got reinstated to the hot seat and Varane was always considered a regular starter by his senior compatriot.
His exit from the Spanish capital might not be that easy due to the size of his contract. Varane still is only 25 years old and has 3 more seasons left in his current deal. His release clause alone is worth over £100m.
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