Raphael Varane could open talks with other European clubs in January with his contract at Manchester United set to expire at the end of the season, according to reports.

The French World Cup and Champions League winner was hailed as a star recruit when he moved to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in 2021, however has fallen out of favour with current manager Erik ten Hag.

Varane's initial contract was revealed by the club to be a four-year contract, however, the finer details of the deal show it actually is only for three-years with the option of another 12 months, as reported by The Athletic.

United aren't believed to be wanting to activate that option and Varane could leave as a free agent in the summer in what would be another damning review of the club's recruitment.

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 has been largely abject from Ten Hag's defensive plans this season and Tuesday's start against Bayern Munich in the Champions League was his first start in seven-weeks.

Prior to that he had only made three appearances from the bench since playing in United's victory over Copenhagen in October.

The  30-year-old was 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.

He was one of the few United players that impressed in the defeat against Bayern that eliminated the Red Devils from the Champions League as they embarrassingly finished bottom of their group.

But his latest showing isn't likely to change the long-term plans of Ten Hag who is understood to be open to offers for the Frenchman.

Should he leave for free then United would be missing out on the chance to recoup any of the £42m fee they previously forked out to Real Madrid.

Varane has made just 13 appearances in all competitions for United this season.