26 December 2023 , 11:05
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Raphael Varane has no interest in leaving Manchester United for Saudi Arabia next month, according to reports.
The Frenchman has seen his minutes decline at Old Trafford this season, which has led to talk of a move away come the New Year. Injuries and a lack of form have seen Varane slip down the pecking order with the likes of Harry Maguire being selected ahead of him.
The World Cup winner recently returned to the starting XI but L’Equipe claim that it is ‘impossible to imagine’ him in a back-up role long-term. The player's entourage have also dismissed talk of a Saudi switch despite the riches on offer, stating “it’s not a subject."
Reports in Spain recently talked up a return to Real Madrid but the French outlet claim that no direct contact has been had between the Manchester United player’s camp and Los Blancos and Varane is also not in favour of a switch midway through the season.
The defender has retained relationships with some of his ex-team-mates and still has a house in the Spanish capital, making a move for feasible. Varane would consider a move back to the Bernabeu if the opportunity arose with Real currently nursing several defensive injuries.
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Last term the centre-half was a favourite in Manchester, forming an impressive partnership with Lisandro Martinez as United ended their trophy drought. The Argentine has been absent for much of the campaign and Varane has struggled himself.
Raphael Varane has seen his minutes decline this term (Getty Images)The Frenchman has only completed 90 minutes in the league once in the past 17 games. Some of those have been missed as a result of injury but others he's been left on the bench by Erik ten Hag, who has had to refute rumours of a rift between himself and the player.
"Rapha Varane? I don't know what you're talking about," Ten Hag said earlier this season. "It's rumours. Very important player, but there's internal competition and there should be at a top club, as we are." Varane played in the recent goalless draw at Liverpool but missed the loss at West Ham through illness.