RC Lens “studying the feasibility of a return” for outgoing Man United defender Raphael Varane | OneFootball

French club RC Lens are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing back Raphael Varane to his boyhood club but remain unsure about the best approach to take regarding such an ambitious move.

On Tuesday, United confirmed that Varane will leave the club at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract.

Since he arrived in England from Real Madrid in July 2021, the World Cup winner has been one of United’s highest earners on around £340,000 per week.

There were efforts to reach an agreement on reduced terms but nothing materialised and so, a decision was made to part ways with Varane.

The centre-back was accompanied by United teammate Anthony Martial in saying goodbye to the fans at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, following the clubs 3-2 win against Newcastle.

According to Foot Mercato, Varane is already attracting overtures from interested parties, who are seemingly aware that they can secure the services of a top defender on a free.

It’s understood that Lens in particular are “studying the feasibility of a return” for the former France international.

The publication however notes that it’s still “premature” to certainly consider a comeback for Varane to be firmly on the cards. This is because Lens have not approached the player’s camp and have not taken any concrete steps to add him to their ranks.

Foot Mercato urge for fans to “keep reason” but there is still hope as Varane has a strong desire to line up for Lens again one day.

The 31-year-old himself previously said that he would retire either at United or at Lens – where it all started for him.”

Varane remarked, “I will finish my career either in Madrid, Manchester, or Lens. It’s certain that I won’t join another club. But Madrid seems complicated to me, we don’t usually come back there.”

“The most likely today is that I end up in Manchester or Lens.”

Meanwhile, the four-time Champions League has returned to United training and it remains to be seen whether he’ll play a part in the team’s clash on the final day of the season vs. Brighton.

Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.