Manchester United football director Paul Murtough was in Saudi Arabia this month as he attempts to negotiate the sale of four first-team players in January.

Murtough was seeking interest in Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Casemiro during his visit, according to the Mail.

It is reported that no deals were done for any of the players with Saudi Pro League clubs but that relationships were made and more talks will follow.

Offloading Sancho is the key priority, with the forward not training with United's first team and out of contention to play after clashing with manager Erik ten Hag earlier this season.

Ten Hag accused the England international of not training well enough, an accusation the winger claims is "lies".

And while United will reportedly not force the other three players out of the door in the same way, they are said to be close to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules limit.

Varane, 30, has recently broken back into the side but has dropped below Harry Maguire in the pecking order in recent months.

Brazil international Casemiro has been absent with injury for a while and Frenchman Martial is out of contract this summer.

In other news

Reports in Spain state Barcelona and United are considering a swap deal between Raphinha and Sancho. 

Tottenham have held talks over a potential move for Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, according to Football London.

Barcelona could terminate Clement Lenglet's loan at Aston Villa in January, state Football Insider, with the defender likely to be sold elsewhere on a permanent deal.