Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane intends to stay and fight for his place in Erik ten Hag's team, according to a report.
The former Real Madrid man arrived at Old Trafford in 2021 with exceptional international pedigree, having won four Champions League crowns with Real Madrid in addition to the 2018 World Cup with France.
Varane and Lisandro Martinez's central partnership was crucial to the Red Devils' success under Ten Hag last season, as the Red Devils finished third in the Premier League while winning the EFL Cup to end a silverware drought stretching back to 2017.
The 30-year-old also began the 2023-24 season in strong form, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend of the season, but his fortunes subsequently took a nosedive.
Amid the Red Devils' autumnal and winter struggles, Varane has only made a Premier League starting XI on five occasions this season, finding himself below Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order.
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It was claimed that a falling-out with Ten Hag was to blame for Varane's demotion to a bit-part role, but the Dutchman denied allegations that the pair's relationship was broken beyond repair.
Nevertheless, Varane's predicament has inevitably led to the rumour mill swirling, as he is also understood to only be under contract until 2024 with the option of a further year, rather than 2025 as previously reported.
The Frenchman will therefore be eligible to talk with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement in January, which would also represent Man United's last chance to recoup a fee for his services.
However, Football Insider claims that the World Cup winner is not actively seeking to leave Man United in the winter window and is happy to fight for his place in the Red Devils' system.
The report adds that Varane's extortionate wages would hinder his chances of joining another European club, meaning that the Saudi Pro League would be the only viable destination for a winter transfer.
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Bayern Munich were tipped to try their luck in the January window, but the German champions are not believed to be serious contenders for his signature due to his mammoth pay packet.
Man United forked out £34.4m to prise Varane away from Real Madrid two years ago, and the centre-back has two goals and one assist to show from 77 matches in a Red Devils shirt in all tournaments.
Due to the groin injury that Maguire picked up against Bayern in the Champions League last week, Varane made his first Premier League start since September in Sunday's clash with Liverpool, where Ten Hag's side became the first team to avoid defeat at Anfield this season in a 0-0 draw.
Varane earned high praise for a magnificent defensive display against the Reds, coming up with an astounding 15 clearances, three interceptions and two blocks, as well as winning all four of his aerial duels.
Man United now have a week to recuperate before they host West Ham United next Saturday, where the Red Devils most cope without Diogo Dalot due to the right-back's sending off for two bookable offences at Anfield.
Ben Knapton
