EXCLUSIVE: Varane craves Ronaldo reunion as Al-Nassr launch bid for Man Utd defender
Steve Kay
- Updated: 3 Nov 2023 11:38 GMT
- 3 min read
Exclusive
Raphael Varane has been contacted by Al-Nassr and the defender now seriously wants a move away from Manchester United, FootballTransfers has been told.
The Red Devils received approaches from Saudi Arabian football clubs over the summer window for the Frenchman as well as Casemiro, whose situation remains uncertain at Man Utd.
Sources have informed us that Varane wants a move to the Middle East to see out the final few years of his career.
READ MORE: Man Utd contract mistake casts doubt on transfer for Ten Hag favourite
In the summer, Casemiro was approached by Al-Nassr but Man Utd firmly rejected their advances, making it abundantly clear that the Brazilian midfielder was not available for transfer.
However, it appears that Varane, who had previously expressed his desire to stay at Man Utd, has now reconsidered his stance.
READ MORE: Man Utd’s January transfer priority revealed amid ‘concerns’ over Ten Hag signing
During the summer window, Al-Ittihad made an approach for the French defender, which he turned down. But now it’s our understanding that Varane has had a change of heart, following his side’s torrid campaign so far.
Al-Nassr famously took on Cristiano Ronaldo after his contract was torn up at Man Utd in 2021. It’s now believed that Varane is hoping to join up with the superstar for the third time in his career.
Ten Hag’s plight
Erik ten Hag’s strained relationship with some of the Man Utd players has been well documented. There is a feeling that the Dutchman has his favourites in the side and punishers some players more harshly than others.
Varane has a contract at Old Trafford until 2025 but has only featured in 570 minutes so far this season.
The former Real Madrid player was absent in Man Utd’s 3-0 loss to Newcastle on Wednesday evening, with it reported that he had come down with an illness.
