Bayern Munich are reportedly not planning to move for Raphael Varane next year despite the recent speculation surrounding the Manchester United centre-back.
Varane, 30, has recently lost his spot in the first XI at Old Trafford, with the ex-France international not starting in the Premier League since the clash with Crystal Palace on September 30.
Each of his last four appearances have come off the bench, while he has not been used in the team's last two matches with Everton and Galatasaray.
Varane has a contract with the 20-time English champions until the summer of 2025, but there have been suggestions that he will look to move on next year in search of pastures new.
Bayern have been credited with an interest in the defender, but according to Sky Deutschland, the Bundesliga champions are not preparing to make an offer for him.
© Reuters
The report claims that Man United 'would like to sell' Varane, but the majority of the interest that is currently arriving is from teams wishing to take him on an initial loan deal.
The Red Devils are not believed to be willing to let him leave in January, but a departure next summer is likely, especially if the club are able to sign top defensive target Antonio Silva from Benfica.
Bayern allegedly view Ronald Araujo as their number one defensive target, but a deal for the Uruguay international would be very difficult due to the fact that he signed a new Barcelona deal last year.
The Catalan outfit's ongoing financial problems mean that Araujo's future is not certain, though, and the 24-year-old is believed to be viewed by many leading European clubs as one of the best defenders in the world.
© Reuters
Varane is again expected to be on the bench when Man United continue their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United on Saturday night.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are currently the starting central defenders, with Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans on the sidelines through injury.
Martinez is expected back in the early stages of 2024, while Evans could potentially return for the festive period, which would likely push Varane further down the pecking order.
However, Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag recently denied claims of a rift with Varane, insisting that his current spell out of the side is purely for footballing reasons.
The four-time Champions League winner has made 75 appearances for Man United since arriving at the club from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.
Germany
Hungary
Scotland
Switzerland
Albania
Croatia
Italy
Spain
Denmark
England
Serbia
Slovenia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Romania
Slovakia
Ukraine
Czech Republic
Georgia
Portugal
Turkey