Goodbye Raphael Varane! Man Utd opt against extending defender's £340,000-a-week contract leaving him free to negotiate summer exit in January

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils have decided they will not trigger an option to extend Varane's contract by 12-months, leaving the French defender open to discuss possible transfers with foreign clubs in the new year.

Speaking back in November after rumours regarding a possible fallout between Varane and United boss Erik ten Hag emerged, the Dutchman was quick to downplay the apparent feud.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Ten Hag said. "It's rumours. Very important player, but there's internal competition and there should be at a top club, as we are."

The 30-year-old's contract is now set to expire in the summer, having joined the club from Real Madrid in a deal worth £34 million ($44m) back in 2021. Despite United deciding not to extend Varane's stay on his current terms, United reportedly remain interested in keeping him at the club on a lower wage packet.

The report goes on to state that United view his current contract, which is worth around £340,000-per-week, as 'hard to justify' given his injury problems, which have limited him to just seven Premier League appearances this season.

Despite playing a limited role this season, United are short in the centre-back department and will need Varane in the new year, as they prepare for an FA Cup clash against Wigan Athletic and a tough test against Tottenham in the league.