By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

6th Nov, 2023 | 6:00pm

Sources: Saudi clubs now want to sign Man United star Raphael Varane in January

Saudi Pro League clubs are expected to register an interest in Man United star Raphael Varane in January, sources have told Football Insider.

The vastly successful centre-back matches the profile that the ambitious and mega-rich league are looking to add to their ranks in the Middle East.

Saudi clubs are willing to offer the former Real Madrid defender a “jaw-dropping” salary to turn his head and convince him to quit Old Trafford.

Varane, 30, has struggled with injury problems since arriving at Old Trafford in August 2021.

He cost a reported £41million when he joined Man United from Real Madrid off the back of winning the Champions League – his fourth success in the competition.

But he has managed just 73 appearances in a Red Devils shirt, notching two goals and one assist.

The World Cup winner has once again suffered fitness problems in the 2023-24 campaign amid an injury crisis at centre-back for Erik ten Hag.

He has been on the bench for the last three Premier League games but played 90 minutes during United’s crucial 1-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League last month (24 October).

As well as Varane – Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have all had problems with injury which has decimated the Red Devils’ defensive options.

Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans have stepped in during Ten Hag’s time of need, with the former enjoying a resurgence at Old Trafford after being stripped of the captaincy earlier this year.

Varane played the semi-final second leg and the final as Man United ended a six-year trophy drought to win the League Cup last season.

His contract at Old Trafford, which nets him a reported wage of £340,000-a-week, is set to run until June 2025.

United are next in action in a crucial away game against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday (8 November).

In other news, Man United stunned by Liverpool deal.