Saudi Pro League club targets Raphael Varane as 'contact made' with agent of Man Utd star

A Saudi Professional League club has registered an interest in signing Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.

So far in the summer transfer window, clubs in the Saudi Professional League have been splashing the cash to lure some of Europe’s biggest names to the Middle East.

To date, the likes of Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Neymar, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Riyad Mahrez have all ditched European football for the Saudi Professional League.

According to Sports Zone, Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad have now contacted Varane’s agent regarding a potential transfer.

It has been claimed that Benzema and N’Golo Kante, who joined Al Ittihad earlier in the summer, are trying to persuade the United centre back to join them.

However, it is believed that Varane has so far declined to leave Old Trafford for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It has been reported that Varane still wants to compete in European football for at least one more season.

Varane, who scored the winner in United’s opening day fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, is one of the most important players under Erik ten Hag.

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After signing for the club from Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid in a deal worth a reported £34 million back in 2021, the Frenchman is under contract at Old Trafford until 2026.

In recent weeks, United have been linked with a move for a new defender amid uncertainty over the future of Harry Maguire, who was linked with a move to West Ham United.

Speaking about Maguire, Ten Hag recently said: “He [Maguire] has to fight for his place.

“He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back and he is the best for England so why shouldn't he be the best for us? But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision, but I'm happy with him.”

United are set to return to Premier League action on Saturday as they travel to North London to take on Tottenham Hotspur.