Raphael Varane 'wants to extend his Man United contract' after impressing on his return to Erik ten Hag's team... despite the Frenchman being free to negotiate with foreign clubs in January

Raphael Varane is reportedly keen to extend his Manchester United contract for a further season with the French defender having forced his way back into the side.

Varane started only his eighth match of the season for the Red Devils in their 0-0 draw against Liverpool.

The 30-year-old partnered Jonny Evans at the heart of the Man United defence to secure a hard fought point at Anfield.

Varane has forced his way back into manager Erik ten Hag's side amid a defensive injury crisis.

His start last week against Bayern Munich in the Champions League was his first for the club in seven weeks.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Varane remains keen to stay at Old Trafford despite having been limited to 14 appearances in all competitions this season.

The World Cup and Champions League winner was signed by United from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 in £42m deal.

Varane's was initially announced to have signed a four-year deal, but it later emerged his contract was for an initial three years with the option of a fourth.

The centre back is reportedly hopeful of activating the one-year extension in his deal, which would extend his stay until the summer of 2025.

Reports claimed last week that United aren't believed to be wanting to activate that option, opening the prospect of Varane leaving as a free agent in the summer.

Players who are entering the final six months of their contract are allowed to agree a deal with foreign clubs in the upcoming January transfer window.

Varane had been a mainstay in United's defence last season with his partnership alongside Lisandro Martinez providing Ten Hag with a solid platform to build on.

However, a long-term injury to Martinez has seen Varane struggle and fall behind both Harry Maguire and 35-year-old Jonny Evans, who returned to the club on a one-year deal in the summer.

Maguire's resurgence this season has largely forced Varane to the bench, while there have also been suggestions of a falling out with Ten Hag.

Mail Sport revealed this week that football director John Murtough was in Saudi Arabia for transfer talks earlier this month.

Varane, Anthony Martial and Casemiro are among the players available for transfer to Saudi Pro League clubs, but the club will not force them out as all three remain important members of Ten Hag's squad.

Off-loading Sancho is United's priority next month as the England forward has been banished from the first-team since effectively calling Erik Ten Hag a liar after he was dropped from United's Premier League defeat at Arsenal in September.