Former club make Raphael Varane admission ahead of Man Utd exit

RC Lens manager Franck Haise has admitted he would be "the happiest coach" if Raphael Varane returned to the club after his Manchester United contract expires.

With Varane's departure from Old Trafford confirmed to take place this summer, marking the end of a three-season stint where he found the net twice and lifted the 2023 Carabao Cup, speculation is rife about his next destination, especially considering he will be a free agent.

90min understands Varane has interest from Saudi Arabia, but the Frenchman has previously admitted he hopes to retire on the books of one of his former clubs which, now that he is departing United, leaves Lens and Real Madrid as possible options.

It was revealed earlier this year that Lens are keen on a reunion with Varane, whose wage demands present an obvious challenge for a side locked in a battle to finish sixth in Ligue 1 this season.

Now, Haise has confirmed his desire to see Varane back with Lens.

"Obviously Raphael Varane can interest me, by his qualities as a player, by his qualities as a leader, by his human qualities, by everything he represents and by everything he is still capable of giving," Haise said.

"Certainly, the financial aspects don't just depend on me, but if there was a possibility I would be the happiest coach."

During his decade-long tenure at Madrid, Varane won the league title three times and lifted the prestigious Champions League trophy on four occasions. It was also during his illustrious spell in Spain that he won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Madrid do want a new centre-back this summer but are not believed to be considering re-signing Varane, meaning the 31-year-old will have to re-join Lens if he is to stay true to his claim that he will not join another club.

Varane had been open to lowering his wage demands to stay with United and remains willing to accept a reduced deal for the right suitor.