Exclusive: Al Ittihad and Al Nassr working to sign Raphael Varane from Man Utd

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is a top Saudi transfer target this summer with both Al Ittihad and Al Nassr currently working on offers, understands.

Varane's contract at United expires at the end of the 2023/24 season, though the club have not ruled out an extension on reduced terms, similar to last summer's ultimately unsuccessful attempts to keep David de Gea. The defender is hoping to avoid a situation like this one, where it was unclear whether the Spanish goalkeeper would receive a new contract offer after his initial deal expired.

Interest in Varane is building from the Saudi Pro League. Al Ittihad's interest is the most advanced and they are preparing a package worth close to €30m-per-season, with other earning opportunities on top. They have already made verbal contact with Varane's camp to outline the terms.

Al Shabab have also discussed Varane internally, but it will be difficult for a non-PIF controlled club to enter the race. PIF have controlling stakes in Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Hilal.

Both Al Ittihad and Al Nassr are hoping to secure Varane on a three-year contract should they proceed with attempts to sign him. As with N'Golo Kante's move to Al Ittihad, centralised dealmakers will likely determine the final club rather than allowing too much of a head-to-head.

Al Nassr thought they had secured Kante last summer, only to be told to back off since Ministry officials wanted Kante to play at the FIFA Club World Cup and the ex-Chelsea midfielder had no firm preference.

Varane is yet to give Saudi dealmakers any response or green light, but United football director John Murtough already informed Al Ittihad during the Club World Cup that the defender was not close to agreeing new terms at Old