Manchester United defender Raphael Varane feels the club are pushing him through the exit door after declining to trigger the extension clause in his contract, according to Manchester Evening News.
The Frenchman has been in-and-out of the starting line-up this campaign due to different reasons. He started the season as an undisputed figure in the XI before picking up an injury.
On his return, the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans were preferred over him. Varane eventually regained his starting spot, but it was not until an injury crisis in the squad.
It is now reported that Varane is unhappy with the club’s decision to decline an extension on his deal expiring next summer. He is currently free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs.
The World Cup winner is undecided whether to accept a reduced salary in case United draft up a new deal. He is also unimpressed with the lack of stability in the first-team squad this season.
Varane could leave on a free transfer next summer
The £42 million signing was pretty much a guaranteed starter for the Red Devils last season when he was fit. However, that is no longer the case for him under manager Erik ten Hag.
He has started the last few games for the club in all competitions, but his position could become uncertain again when Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof return from injuries.
Taking this into mind, United may have decided against renewing his deal. The 30-year-old is the highest earner at £340,000-a-week and the hierarchy clearly don’t want to keep him on similar terms.
It is left to be seen whether the world-class defender will accept a significant pay-cut to pen a renewal. Else, he could leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the ongoing campaign.
Real Madrid have been linked with a reunion with Varane this month, but the centre-back appears determined to see out the season with United before considering his options.
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