Transfers

Man United ready to accept Raphael Varane offer

Man United are prepared to accept offers for Raphael Varane in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

The 30-year-old’s contract is set to expire this summer with an option to extend for an additional year if triggered by the club.

As it stands, Varane is free to talk to foreign clubs about a free transfer in January which has caused concern among staff at Old Trafford.

United do not want to lose another player on a free transfer and are therefore considering the sale of Varane next month if an appropriate offer is received.

Varane’s transfer fee would also add to the budget available to manager Erik ten Hag, with United currently limited by Financial Fair Play regulations.

The four-time Champions League winner has received interest from the Saudi Pro League as well as from clubs in Europe.

As revealed by Football Insider on Thursday (28 December), Bayern Munich are currently in pole position to sign Varane in January.

The Bundesliga champions have been left short of defensive options with Kim Min-Jae set to leave for Asian Cup duties while Noussair Mazraoui will represent Morocco at the African Cup of Nations.

Varane has played just 520 minutes of Premier League football this season after falling out of favour under Ten Hag.

The former Real Madrid star has returned to the starting lineup in recent matches against Liverpool and Aston Villa, but the imminent return of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could see him drop back down the pecking order.

Abdul Noah Ocholi

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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.

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