Man Utd in 'preliminary talks' over big money defender transfer Saudi Pro League side
Suraj Radia
- 21 Aug 2023 21:04 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have been in the market to sell a centre-back this summer and Erik ten Hag’s side have finally received a big money approach, however it is for Raphael Varane rather than Harry Maguire, with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad targeting the Frenchman.
Ten Hag has been desperate to sign a defender during the transfer window but, despite interest in Benjamin Pavard and Jean-Clair Todibo, United are unable to make any further signings without a major sale.
United had been hoping to cash in on Maguire and had accepted an offer in excess of £30 million for their former captain but the England international turned down the move.
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Ten Hag had begun to accept that he would go into the new season with his current crop of defenders but reports from the Middle East have claimed that Al-Ittihad are determined to bring in Varane, with the player said to be open to a move.
Saudi media have claimed that United are in ‘preliminary talks’ with Varane and a bid of more than £40m could be submitted, although the English side are expected to resist any offers.
Al-Ittihad have also been linked with a move for Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes but, like United, the Gunners are not interested in a sale despite talk of a big money bid.
Outgoings the key for United
United had been hoping to bring in another midfielder this summer, with Sofyan Amrabat the top target, however efforts have so far been futile due to the club’s budget being exhausted.
The arrivals of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana have cost United almost €200m, with less than €40m coming back through sales of the likes of Anthony Elanga and Fred.
Donny van de Beek and Brandon Williams are expected to leave United before the end of the window but their departures may still not be enough to fund a move for a midfielder, with Ryan Gravenberch and Marco Verratti the latest players to be linked to a transfer.
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Consequently, United may consider the sale of Varane if an offer was too good to turn down for a 30-year-old who has struggled with injuries during his time at the club, although securing a replacement as well as a midfielder could be a tough ask going into the final week of the transfer window.
