Transfer Talk: Al-Ittihad Var keen on United defender Raphael

Al-Ittihad are lining up Raphael Varane as their next high-profile summer signing.

The Saudi Pro League club have already added French duo N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema to their squad in recent weeks and now want the duo's compatriot Varane, according to reports.

Varane scored the winner as his side beat Wolves 1-0 on the opening weekend of the Premier League season and is central to Erik ten Hag's plans.

The World Cup winner has rejected Al-Ittihad's advances so far but Kante and Benzema are attempting to convince him to make the move.

Varane is one of the most decorated players of the modern era, winning three LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies with Real Madrid between 2011 and 2021.

The 30-year-old has made 64 appearances for the Red Devils since moving to Old Trafford two years ago and started the final as they won the EFL Cup last February.

It remains to be seen whether United would be keen to cash in on the centre-back, considering his age and the fact that he has just two years left on his contract.

If they did decide to sell, they could reignite their interest in Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard.

In other news

Barcelona are in advanced talks to sign full-back Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Sky Sports report that Chelsea are interested in signing striker Folarin Balogun from Arsenal.

Luton have made an enquiry about taking Japhet Tanganga on loan from Tottenham, say The Athletic.