Bayern Munich join Real Madrid in race to land Raphael Varane and willing to offer €20m for Man Utd defender

Posted Thursday, December 28, 2023 by Goal.com

Bayern Munich are planning a bid to sign Raphael Varane from Manchester United and are willing to pay around €20 million (£17m/$22m) for the defender.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Bayern hope to strengthen at centre-back in the January transfer window and have set their sights on the France international to enhance Thomas Tuchel's options, Sport reports. The German giants have also been linked with Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, but the Uruguayan has no desire to move in January.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
There has been talk of a possible transfer for Varane after he lost his place in the starting XI at United, with Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof being given the nod to play instead. A return to his former team Real Madrid has been reported as the Spanish side have lost David Alaba and Eder Militao to long-term injuries, leaving them with just Antonio Rudiger and Nacho as their only options in the centre of defence.

DID YOU KNOW?
Varane, who won four Champions League titles in his 10 years there, joined United from the Spanish team in August 2021 and his contract expires at the end of the season. He has made 10 Premier League appearances this season, having returned to the starting XI for the recent matches against Liverpool and Aston Villa.

WHAT NEXT FOR VARANE?
The 30-year-old may be involved when United finish off 2023 with a Premier League match against Nottingham Forest before he can start considering a possible move to Munich or a return to the Santiago Bernabeu.