Bayern Munich considering move for Man Utd star Raphael Varane after being told January exit is ‘possible’

Bayern Munich considering move for Man Utd star Raphael Varane after being told January exit is ‘possible’

Bayern Munich are weighing up a January move for Manchester United defender Raphael Varane who is reportedly unhappy with his situation at Old Trafford.

Varane has lost his place in the starting XI in recent weeks with Erik ten Hag opting for a partnership of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans with Lisandro Martinez currently sidelined.

Even with Evans ruled out in the win over Luton Town ahead of the international break, Victor Lindelof was preferred at the heart of defence with the United boss reluctant to play Maguire and Varane together.

According to Sky Sport Germany, Bayern are now monitoring the situation with discussions taking place over a move for the 30-year-old. The former Real Madrid star could be available for a fee between €20million and €30million with the report adding Bayern have been informed that a winter move is possible.

Varane’s salary could be a stumbling block, however, with the centre-half thought to be among United’s highest earners on £350,000-a-week.

Varane joined United from Real in 2021 with the Frenchman forming a solid partnership with Martinez last season.

He has started just one of his side’s last eight games, however. Ten Hag has insisted there has been no falling out between him and the World Cup winner, with tactical reasons and Maguire’s return to form causing him to lose his regular place in the side.

Absolutely not,’ Ten Hag said earlier this month when asked if there was a wider issue between him and Varane. ‘As I said, it is about tactical reasons why I chose these partnerships. I think Harry and Jonny did well.

‘What I said last year, Harry didn’t play a lot, so I was very happy with Rapha’s performances. I have always been happy with his performance. But in this moment, Harry is playing very well and there is internal competition.’

He continued: ‘There are moments in certain games where they (Maguire and Varane) can play together and they have already proven they can do it.

‘But the build-up is not that fluid when one of them is playing from the left centre-back position.

‘Because I think Licha, obviously, Luke Shaw, obviously, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are right-footed, but they can play really comfortably with their left and make the right angles.

‘Then you can construct a better formation where you can start to play.’