Raphael Varane is reportedly attracting significant interest from a top French club after the French star confirmed he will leave Manchester United in the summer.
Varane, 31, announced in an emotional video on Tuesday that this season will be his last at Old Trafford.
He has been one of the club’s highest earners on £340,000 per week and the club chose not to extend his deal back in December, as exclusively revealed by Mail Sport.
Varane, who has made 93 appearances for United since joining from Real Madrid for £42million in July 2021, could be heading back to France, according to reports.
Foot Mercato said RC Lens are keen to sign the defender as a free agent in the upcoming transfer window.
Raphael Varane could join his former youth club as a free agent in the summer transfer window
On Tuesday, he published an emotional farewell video to the Man United fans ahead of his exit
Varane was spotted sitting in the centre circle after Man United’s win over Newcastle
Varane has not yet revealed his next club but said last year that he would end his career either in Manchester or Lens, where he played between 2002 and 2011.
He left the club for Real Madrid, where he made 238 appearances and won four Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles.
Varane was unveiled on the Old Trafford pitch to much fanfare but his time at United has been plagued with injuries.
The Frenchman waved goodbye to United fans following the 3-2 win over Newcastle on Wednesday.
In his video message, he said: ‘To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years, to play for this special club and wear that shirt.
‘For my kids, it’s home here. It’s going to be a special place for me, for life.
‘The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane. The atmosphere was amazing.
‘I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents.
Varane spent nearly a decade at Lens, first in the youth team before earning a move to Real
‘When the fans go to Wembley, it’s something they remember for life. To share that moment with them (last season) was absolutely amazing.
‘Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I am very positive for the future.
‘The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.
‘I’ll see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye for the last game at home this season and it’s going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure.’
Lens are currently on the 6th place in the Ligue 1 table after 33 games and are fighting to qualify for the Europa Conference League.
Their final match of the season will be against Montpellier on Sunday.
