Manchester United defender Raphael Varane would be prepared to make an economic effort to rejoin Real Madrid during the winter transfer window, according to Sport.
The 30-year-old has had a mixed campaign under manager Erik ten Hag this term. He was dropped from the starting line-up earlier this season with Harry Maguire preferred over him.
With multiple injuries in the squad, the Frenchman has re-established himself as a regular starter, but this has not stopped speculation linking him with a return to the Bernabeu.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Los Blancos may require £17.4 million to re-sign him and it is now reported that Varane would be prepared to accept a pay-cut for a reunion.
Madrid playing mind games with Varane transfer talk
Los Blancos are currently in need of a quality replacement in the heart of the defence with both David Alaba and Eder Militao out of action with long-term knee injuries.
Varane perfectly fits into their plans with his familiarity and experience of playing for them, but a deal is unlikely to materialise unless the defender accepts a sizeable pay-cut.
He presently earns £340,000-a-week at the Red Devils and the La Liga giants may want at least a 50 per cent reduction. In our view, Los Blancos are playing mind games.
Madrid president Florentino Perez is probably conveying to Varane what he needs to do to join the club.
If a deal is not agreed, it could be speculated that the central defender did not accept the pay-cut.
We believe United have no reason to part ways with Varane in January as they have the option to extend his contract until the summer of 2025 by triggering a clause.
With Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez recovering from respective injuries, United would be foolish to contemplate selling Varane next month.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
