Galatasaray eyeing Manchester United’s soon-to-be free agent Raphael Varane | OneFootball

This season has not been the best for Manchester United’s defence which has ended up conceding three or more goals 14 times across all competitions.

Injuries have played a major role behind the poor displays with manager Erik ten Hag forced to shuffle his pack every week. He has hardly played consecutive games with his strongest back-four this term.

New co-owners INEOS are looking at overhauling the back four and more than one centre-back could be moved on in the upcoming summer transfer window.

A lot was expected when United agreed a €40 million deal with Real Madrid for Raphael Varane three years ago but the Frenchman’s injury record has really let him down.

Varane’s exit

He has missed 45 games in two-and-a-half seasons and is currently sidelined, and this season without Lisandro Martinez beside him, the former Real Madrid superstar has been unable to put his best foot forward.

Manager Erik ten Hag’s choice of playing him on the left has not helped either while the Dutchman also ended up dropping him for almost two months this term.

The former France international’s current deal ends in June and not 2025 as previously advertised and the club opted not to trigger the one-year extension option due to the defender’s humongous wages, much to the disappointment of the World Cup winner.

INEOS want to trim the bloated wage bill and there are currently no plans of keeping hold of the 31-year-old, who recently offered his services to his former club.

Now Turkish publication Milliyet have revealed Galatasaray are planning a “huge operation” to sign the four-time Champions League winner on a free. But due to his high wages, they first need to move on a couple of high earners to make space for his wages.

“The first target of the Yellow-Red club is Raphael Varane, who is expected to part ways with Manchester United this summer.

Gala want Varane

“The yellow-reds will not pay a transfer fee for the 1.91-meter defender, who is also very liked by the boss Okan Buruk, so they will be able to use the 40-45 million euros that are likely to come from the sale of Sanchez and Nelsson for other transfers and Varane’s salary payments during the season.”

Varane is not the only United veteran being chased by the Turkish league leaders with The Peoples Person recently relaying that the team are also eyeing moves for Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.

Lots of ageing stars have tasted success in the Turkish league which is played at an easier pace. The chance to keep playing in Europe and the Champions League is often a major draw for players.

The Frenchman also has offers from Saudi Arabia and it will be interesting to see where he ultimately lands up. His United stint was one that promised a lot but ended up fizzling out in the end without much success.

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