Raphael Varane to leave on a free transfer?

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane could reportedly leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

The Frenchman signed for the Red Devils from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021. At the time, United revealed that he had penned a deal until June 2025 with the option for another 12 months.

However, The Athletic now claim that the club may have made an error in judgement and the World Cup winner's deal actually expires next summer. United have the option to extend for a year.

Varane will be free to discuss terms with foreign clubs as soon as January and it remains to be seen whether United trigger the extension clause to keep him at the club for the 2024/25 campaign.

The centre-back has been largely out-of-favour under manager Erik ten Hag this term, but he made the starting line-up yesterday following an injury for Victor Lindelof earlier this month.

With Harry Maguire getting injured last night, Varane has now become a pivotal figure for United heading into the New Year. It is unlikely that they will offload him in the next window.