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Raphael Varane 'rejects Saudi interest to stay at Manchester United'

Raphael Varane 'rejects Saudi interest to stay at Man United'
© Reuters
Raphael Varane reportedly wishes to stay at Manchester United until the expiration of his contract in 2025, despite interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad.

Raphael Varane has reportedly rejected a potential move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, with the defender wishing to remain at Manchester United.

The 30-year-old was a key part of the United side who kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League last term, appearing in 24 league matches for the Red Devils.

Varane formed an effective partnership with former Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez, helping David De Gea to win the division's Golden Glove award with 17 shutouts.

The France international has played 64 times for the Old Trafford club since making the move from Real Madrid in August 2021, assisting United to a Carabao Cup triumph under Erik ten Hag last season.

According to Sports Zone, Varane has snubbed the opportunity to play in the Saudi Pro League in favour of staying put at Manchester United for the 2023-24 term.

Raphael Varane scores for Manchester United on August 14, 2023© Reuters

The report claims that Middle East giants Al Ittihad were interested in luring the defender to the world's fastest-growing competition, however the player himself is not keen.

It is understood that Varane wishes to remain as a regular for Man United for the next two campaigns, with his contract at Old Trafford set to expire in the summer of 2025.

Nuno Espirito Santo's men are one of the favourites for the league title in Saudi Arabia this term, having recruited heavily in the summer window, including the captures of N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema from Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively.

It is believed that both of those France internationals had been in contact with compatriot Varane in order to convince him to seal a switch to the Middle East, however their attempts have supposedly been unsuccessful.

Al Ittihad lost the Arab Club Champions Cup final to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Hilal a fortnight ago, although Kante and Benzema both featured as they won 3-0 at Al-Raed on the opening day of their Pro League campaign on Monday night.

Al-Ittihad new signing Karim Benzema waves to fans as he holds the Ballon d'Or trophy during his presentation on June 7, 2023© Reuters

Having won four Champions League titles during his time at Real Madrid, United centre-back Varane is one of football's most decorated active players, and he will be looking to add a fifth European success to his career tally under Ten Hag this term.

Man United are back in UEFA's elite club competition following a single-season absence, having finished third in the Premier League last campaign behind winners Manchester City and Arsenal.

Varane scored the winner late on in the Red Devils' season opener on Monday against Wolverhampton Wanderers - a game in which the Black Country visitors enjoyed the lion's share of the chances.

Victor Lindelof is set to partner Varane at the heart of the Man United defence for an intriguing-looking clash at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

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