Bayern Munich are reportedly provided with encouragement ahead of a potential move for Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.
Thomas Tuchel will be satisfied with how Bayern have started the campaign, particularly in the Bundesliga where they are unbeaten and have conceded just nine goals in 11 matches.
However, at the back end of the summer transfer window, they failed to bring in another central defender or defensive-minded midfielder.
At that time, Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah and Fulham's Joao Palhinha were the targets, and the assumption is that Bayern may renew their efforts to sign either player in January.
Much will depend on how much money club officials are prepared to pay at the midway point of the campaign when they have not lost a game since the German Super final in August.
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Tuchel already has Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt at his disposal when they are all fit, but Bayern are lacking a fourth established name to provide further competition.
According to Sky Sport Deutschland, there has been talk behind the scenes regarding a potential approach for Varane in January.
Since his arrival in August 2021, Varane has made 64 starts and 11 substitute outings in all competitions, a respectable return given that he has had a number of injuries.
Nevertheless, it has become apparent of late that the World Cup winner is no longer regarded as an automatic first choice by United boss Erik ten Hag.
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Just four starts and four substitute outings have been made in the Premier League during 2023-24, with Varane only starting one league game since September.
The report suggests that Bayern have been told that it may be possible to negotiate terms with United at the turn of the year should they wish to do so.
That said, United would allegedly demand at least £17.5m for the 30-year-old, who may also be on wages that equate to a similar fee over the course of a year.
Just over 19 months remain on Varane's contract at Old Trafford, with the likelihood being that a renewal is not on the horizon given United's current defensive pecking order.
Darren Plant
