Man Utd opt against extending Raphael Varane's contract

 

Manchester United have opted against exercising their option to automatically extend Raphael Varane's deal, reports the Daily Mail. 

 

Varane has endured a disappointing campaign with injury issues seeing the 2018 World Cup winner drop down the centre-back pecking order at Old Trafford. The defender was also linked with a summer exit. 

 

However, despite the decision to not trigger the automatic renewal, it's reported that United remain keen on keeping Varane at the club. 

 

The 30-year-old's current United deal expires in the summer and the club are hoping to negotiate fresh terms with the Frenchman that would lower his high wage. 

 

Man Utd opt against extending Raphael Varane's contract

 

 

This is a risk for United, though, as they are aware that Varane is free to negotiate a free summer transfer away from Erik ten Hag's side. 

 

Former side Real Madrid and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for Varane and they'll be monitoring his situation with the Manchester outfit. 

 

Fitness concerns means Varane has started just seven league games for United this season but has featured from the outset in three of their last four outings.