Varane has lost his place in the side in recent weeks (Picture: Getty)
Raphael Varane could leave Manchester United on a free transfer in the summer with reports claiming his contract will expire a year earlier than thought.
The World Cup winner left Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 to move to Old Trafford in a deal believed to have been worth £34million.
United announced the centre-half had signed a deal keeping him at the club until June 2025 but The Athletic report that deal runs out 12 months earlier than publicised at the end of the current season.
United do have the option to extend that deal by an additional year.
If that option is not taken however, Varane will be free to hold talks with foreign clubs from 1 January with the view of signing a pre-contract agreement.
Varane formed a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s defence last season but has fallen out of favour this term.
The former France international started for the first time in 11 appearances against Bayern Munich on Wednesday having lost his place in the side to Harry Maguire.
Varane was back in the side midweek (Picture: Getty)
It has previously been reported that the relationship between Varane and ten Hag has broken down this season with the defender among those who could be offloaded in January should the right offer come in.
Bayern are thought to be interested in his services while the four-time Champions League winner has also been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
With Maguire picking up an injury midweek, Varane will hope to keep his place in the side when United take on Liverpool on Sunday.
United regularly hand out contracts with the option of extending by a further year, exercising that option with Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Fred this time last year.
They find themselves in a similar position with Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Hannibal Mejbri and Anthony Martial, although the club are said to have no desire to extend the latter’s deal.
MORE : Six players could leave Manchester United in January as a result of Champions League exit
MORE : Why Man Utd are stuck in limbo over sacking Erik ten Hag
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.