Man Utd ready to give green light for Raphael Varane sale in January

Manchester United are prepared to give the green light for Raphael Varane’s exit during the January transfer window, according to Florian Plettenberg.

The Frenchman has been a substitute over the past few games in all competitions with manager Erik ten Hag preferring Harry Maguire in the right centre-back role.

The Dutch tactician does not believe Varane is effective enough from left centre-back. He has preferred the likes of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof over him recently.

With Luke Shaw back from a muscle injury, the manager now has another option for the role which may increase the uncertainty over Varane’s future with United.

Plettenberg now claims that United are aware that Varane is ‘unhappy’ over his current situation.

They are prepared to give the ‘green light’ for a winter departure but won’t entertain any loan offers. The 2018 World Cup winner is currently valued between €20-30m.

Bayern Munich are monitoring the former Real Madrid defender, but there is nothing more at this stage. The German champions are unlikely to match his current weekly wages.

The 30-year-old is no longer an assured starter with the Red Devils and we won’t be surprised if he contemplates a move away from Manchester in the New Year.

Bayern are presently not in a position to meet his €20m annual salary and in our view, a move to the Saudi Pro League seems a more likely choice for the centre-back.

Saudi clubs have been willing to offer substantial wages to several elite players and Varane could easily double his salary if he were to move to the cash-rich league this winter.

In the process, United could easily secure a good transfer fee which would help in their bid to land a quality replacement. Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo appears the top target.

The 23-year-old could be signed for €40m. United should be able to afford him with Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepared to provide financial assistance after securing his minority stake at the club.