Bayern Munich are reportedly leading the race for Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane.
The ex-France international's future is currently the subject of much speculation, as his contract with the 20-time English champions is due to expire at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Varane recently spent a spell out of the first XI at Old Trafford, but he was brought back into the side against Bayern Munich on December 12 and has also since started against Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Despite reclaiming his spot in the side, there is uncertainty surrounding his future, as both Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are set to return from injuries next month, while Victor Lindelof will also soon be available following a minor operation to deal with a personal issue.
A number of Saudi Arabian clubs are believed to be keen on the 30-year-old, but a recent report claimed that Varane was not interested in a move to the Saudi Pro League in January.
According to Football Insider, Bayern are currently in pole position to secure his signature, with the Bundesliga giants expected to make an offer during the January transfer window.
The report claims that the German side are determined to sign a new centre-back in January, as Kim Min-jae is heading to the Asian Cup to represent South Korea.
Man United have the option to activate an additional 12 months in Varane's deal, and that could occur if they are planning to sell him during next summer's transfer window.
As it stands, Varane, who is set to retain his spot in the Red Devils side for Saturday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, would be free to speak to foreign clubs in January over a possible pre-contract.
The experienced defender made the move to Man United from Real Madrid in August 2021, and he has represented the club on 78 occasions, scoring twice and registering one assist in the process.
Varane won three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and four Champions League trophies during his time at Real Madrid, while he lifted the EFL Cup with Man United last season.
Maguire now seems set to remain at Old Trafford, having proved himself under head coach Erik ten Hag, while Martinez is seen as a vital player for the club moving forward.
Jonny Evans is out of contract at the end of the season and is unlikely to sign an extension, but the club are said to be preparing to begin discussions with Lindelof over a new deal, with the Sweden international's current terms due to expire in June 2024. body check tags ::
