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Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is considering a departure from the club as soon as next summer, according to a report published on AS. Varane’s contract expires in the summer of 2022 and Real Madrid would sell the player this summer if he refuses to sign a contract extension with Los Blancos, per that same report.

Varane is 28 years old and Real Madrid don’t want to lose him as a free agent in 2022 when they could cash in some money for him this summer. That said, selling Varane is not a priority and it would only be done if the defender proves that he doesn’t want to extend his contract.

It’s been more than 10 years since Real Madrid signed Varane away from Lens for €10 million, and while that deal definitely paid off, it would be a pity to lose him in the current financial context now that he has reached his peak as a player.

The French defender is probably trying to get a better deal than his current contract, but if he truly wants to find a new challenge Real Madrid should probably sell and then focus on finding a replacement in the transfer market.

AS’ report mentions Alaba, Joules Kounde and Pau Torres as the main candidates to join Real Madrid if Varane leaves the club this summer.

Eric Garcia: Barcelona have bid for Manchester City defender rejected

Eric Garcia will remain at Manchester City after Barcelona had a £15.4m plus add-ons rejected by Manchester City with just hours of the transfer window to go.

Man City wanted closer to £20m for the central defender, who has entered the final year of his contract, with the player now set to see out his contract at the Etihad.

The Spanish international will now become a free agent next summer and should he move to the Nou Camp it will see a return to the club having been part of the La Masia academy between 2008 and 2017.

Garcia made his first top-flight appearance last season and would go on to feature 13 times throughout the campaign and last featured in the 5-2 defeat to Leicester City.

However, he was left out of City’s squad squad for the 1-1 draw at Leeds on Saturday with Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman previously confirming his club’s desire to sign the 19-year-old centre-back.