Man Utd make contract decision on Raphael Varane

Manchester United are open to pursuing a new contract for Raphael Varane, provided he accepts a huge pay-cut.

The Frenchman has been in-and-out of the starting XI for the Red Devils, but he remains a key player in the squad.

His current £350,000-a-week deal expires at the end of the season and United are not looking to trigger his 12-month extension clause.

Instead, they want to negotiate a new long-term deal with the World Cup winner if he is willing to reduce his wages.

The new backroom staff don't believe the centre-back deserves his current wages and will ask him to accept a reduction.

It is left to be seen whether Varane will accept a pay-cut or consider a new challenge away from the Mancunian giants.

Real Madrid are exploring the possibility of re-signing him in January after a serious knee injury to David Alaba this month.

A number of Saudi clubs are also keeping tabs on his situation.