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This season, Real Madrid has been plagued by an injury crisis and the defensive department has suffered the most casualties, with the entire starting back-line ruled out for the foreseeable future.
After news came out that David Alaba had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), joining Eder Militao on the sidelines, news of Real Madrid surveying replacements in defense began to do the rounds.
With the January transfer window just on the horizon, a number of options have emerged as potential candidates, with an old acquaintance, going by the name of Raphael Varane, also reportedly on the club’s wishlist.
As per prior reports, the club particularly took an interest in the Manchester United defender, as he already has experience donning the fabled Royal White jersey, and elevated to esteemed heights in the Spanish Capital.
Erik Ten Hag not eager to part ways
Now, according to ESPN, during the January transfer window, Erik ten Hag hopes to keep Casemiro and Raphael Varane at Manchester United until the end of the season, with Varane’s contract set to expire in 2025.
The Frenchman has endured a difficult period in England, as playtime for him has been scarce this season.
Varane had even dropped down the pecking order, with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and even Jonny Evans among the players Erik Ten Hag appears to favor.
However, the report argues with Varane recently winning his place back and United unable to acquire a replacement on such short notice, his exit is off the cards.
Things could get different if the player made a concerted effort to leave. But in that case, Ten Hag would demand that the team acquire replacements, which would be challenging given the requirement to adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations.
As such, the Champions League winner’s move back to Madrid is unlikely to materialize, unless he attempts to force a departure.
