Marseille exploring move for Manchester United star, Gennaro Gattuso wants him

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is being lined up for a move by French side Marseille.

Out of favour Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane is subject of interest from Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Varane has called down the pecking order lately and at the weekend he saw Luke Shaw selected at centre-back ahead of him, the latest blow.

An exit in January or the end of the season is becoming an increasing possibility for the former Real Madrid defender.

Marseille want Varane
Ligue 1 side Marseille are looking to sign a centre-back in the January transfer window and Foot01 report Raphael Varane is on their list of targets.

While acknowledging a deal will be difficult, manager Gennaro Gattuso is keen on a move, and Sport.fr reports sporting director Mehdi Benatia is exploring the feasibility of a move for Varane.

Marseille struck a deal with Manchester United last season to sign Eric Bailly on loan. This included an obligation to buy, but the Ivorian did not play enough games to trigger it, and they were not interested in re-signing him.

Marseille would struggle to match Varane’s wages at Manchester United, so a loan deal would be the only feasible way fo them to do this deal.

Gattuso’s side are currently in ninth place in Ligue 1, and want to improve their squad to try and secure European football for next season.

Varane has options beyond United
Varane’s lack of playing time at Manchester United has seen speculation over his future slowly build ahead of next month’s transfer window.

The Mirror has reported interest from Bayern Munich, who would offer a more attractive option to Varane, perhaps, however, Marseille may be able to offer more guaranteed playing time, plus the temptation of a return to France.

If money is the attraction, then the Saudi Pro League is a possibility. Ben Jacobs told his Daily Briefing column last week that Al-Ittihad are keen.

It’s unclear if Manchester United are willing to sanction a mid-season departure. A lot may depend on Lisandro Martinez‘s recovery from injury.