Man Utd face fight to keep Raphael Varane as star makes Saudi Arabia transfer decision ‘after Kante and Benzema chat’
MANCHESTER UNITED face a fight to keep Raphael Varane amid interest from Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
The centre-back is a key player for Erik ten Hag and one of the first names on the teamsheet.
But United risk losing him as Varane’s France team-mates Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have attempted to lure him to the Gulf state, report Sports Zone.
Al-Ittihad have reportedly made contact with Varane’s representatives over a move, with Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos also targeted.
However Varane is understood to be keen on playing in Europe for at least another season, with the Red Devils back in the Champions League.
His Old Trafford contract runs until 2026 and the Frenchman already earns a huge salary – picking up around £340,000-a-weelk.
Ten Hag will be determined to keep Varane as the Dutchman already feels he needs to upgrade his defensive options.
United have been courting centre-back options including Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard, with Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite also believed to be on the club’s shortlist.
But attempts to bring in a new centre-back have stalled after Harry Maguire’s proposed move to West Ham collapsed.
The former captain failed to agree a pay-off with United and is now set to stay and fight for his place.
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Maguire is said to be fourth choice at United and he could slip further down the pecking order once Jonny Evans signs the one-year deal he has been offered.
But Varane’s departure could change that as Maguire might be offered a lifeline by Ten Hag, with the Dutchman revealing he is happy to have the England star in his squad.
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