Varane could leave Man Utd for free - Thursday's gossip

Manchester United risk losing French defender Raphael Varane, 30, on a free transfer next summer with his contract due to expire a year earlier than originally publicised. (Athletic - subscription required)

Napoli have held constructive talks with Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen's camp about extending the 24-year-old's contract until 2026, including a release clause of about £115m. (Sky Sports Italy)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is not at risk of the sack as the club do not want to make any big decisions until the expected sale of 25% of the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos group is resolved. (Independent)

However, former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter is being lined up to replace Ten Hag at Manchester United. (Sun)

Ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is also well placed to succeed Ten Hag if the Old Trafford club decide to part ways with the Dutchman. (Relevo - in Spanish)

AC Milan are in talks with Arsenal over a loan deal for 23-year-old Poland defender Jakub Kiwior. (Calciomercato - in Italian)

Borussia Monchengladbach and Switzerland defender Nico Elvedi, 27, has emerged as a January target for Chelsea following another injury setback to England full-back Reece James, 24. (Teamtalk)

Manchester United's failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages has left a £28m hole in their transfer budget and may mean they are more open to listen to offers for 31-year-old Brazil midfielder Casemiro, France striker Anthony Martial, 28, and Varane. (Mail)

Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for Dutch left-back Ian Maatsen, 21, in next month's transfer window. (Mirror)

Aston Villa could sign 19-year-old Red Bull Salzburg and Israel midfielder Oscar Gloukh in January for up to £50m. (Football Insider)

Wolves have agreed a new deal for South Korea forward Hwang Hee-chan, 27, until June 2028 with an option for a further season. (Fabrizio Romano)

Everton, Burnley and Leeds United are among the clubs monitoring 21-year-old English defender Archie Brown, who plays for Gent. (Mail)

Nottingham Forest have a verbal agreement to sign Brazil and Fluminense defender, 26. (Florian Plettenberg)

Bayern Munich's assistant coach Anthony Barry is a leading candidate to become the Republic of Ireland's new manager. (Telegraph - subscription required)