Transfer Talk: Madrid and Bayern step up Varane pursuit

Raphael Varane is nearing an exit from Manchester United as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich continue to monitor the Frenchman.

Varane, 30, has only made six Premier League starts in 2023-24 and has not enjoyed the best relationship with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.

The World Cup winner joined United from Madrid in 2021 but with the injuries piling up in Spain, Los Blancos could move to re-sign their former centre-back.

Yet according to the Daily Mail, the LaLiga giants will also face competition from German champions Bayern, who are also lacking defensive personnel.

Alongside injuries to Tarek Buchmann and Noussair Mazraoui, the Bavarians will lose Minjae Kim during the Asian Cup in January.

Meanwhile in the Spanish capital, Eder Militao and David Alaba are currently missing, leaving Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez as Carlo Ancelotti's only fit senior centre-backs.

Varane's contract does not expire until 2025 but the player could push for a move away from Old Trafford with United struggling to compete for a place in the Champions League.

The three-time European champions crashed out in the group stage this term and realistically only have the FA Cup left to aim for if they are to lift silverware this season.

And with financial fair play also a factor, the sale of a valuable asset like Varane could open the door to January arrivals.

In other news

Sources in Portugal indicate Arsenal are best placed to sign in-form striker Goncalo Inacio in January, although Sporting will not sell the player for less than his £60million release clause.

Tottenham are willing to pay £25m for highly-rated Belgium midfielder Arthur Vermeeren from Antwerp, according to The Sun.

Reports in Italy suggest Inter Milan are keeping tabs on Chelsea striker Armando Broja and Manchester United forward Anthony Martial as they look to bring in another goalscorer to aid their title bid.