Real Madrid are considering bringing Raphael Varane back to the club, despite the fact that the defender is set to depart Manchester United.

Varane has fallen out of favor at Manchester United this season.

Varane left Real Madrid for Manchester United in a £34 million transfer in 2021, where he formed a solid defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez last season.

However, the former France international has battled for playing time this season. He made his first start in 11 games against Bayern Munich earlier this month, and he kept his spot for United’s trip to Liverpool four days later, where he was one of the team’s finest players.

He was absent from the squad again on Saturday, this time due to illness, as the club lost to West Ham United.

This season, the 30-year-old has only started nine games in all competitions, with Harry Maguire, Johnny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw all preferred at the back on separate occasions.

Real Madrid, meantime, are seeking to acquire another centre-half in January with David Alaba and Eder Militao out, and Carlo Ancelotti is eager for Varane to return to the club, according to AS.

Varane, according to the article, would be eager to return to the Spanish capital, with his salary at Old Trafford not seen to be an impediment.

This season, Ten Hag has preferred different options at the back.

After signing Varane in the summer of 2021, United announced he had signed a contract that would keep him at the club until June 2025, however The Athletic just reported that it will expire 12 months sooner than previously disclosed, at the end of the current season.

United has the option to extend the agreement for another year.

If that option is not chosen, Varane will be allowed to negotiate pre-contract agreements with international clubs beginning January 1.

With the potential of the defender departing on a free transfer at the end of the season, AS reports that a deal to bring him back to Real Madrid might cost as low as £8.6 million.

Varane and Casemiro’s futures in Manchester are uncertain, with clubs in the Saudi Pro League also showing interest in the pair.

Erik ten Hag would love to keep both players until the end of the season, but would allegedly leave the ultimate choice up to the players.