Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad are reportedly in “preliminary negotiations” with Manchester United over the potential signing of Raphaël Varane.
Varane has only been at Man United since 2021 and despite being in and out of the side with numerous injury problems during that time, the 30-year-old defender has been one of two first-choice centre-backs under Erik ten Hag and previous manager’s when fit.
However, as per multiple reports abroad, it is said that not only have Al-Ittihad expressed their interest in singing Varane but, according to one Saudi source, “preliminary negotiations” have already started.
🚨🇸🇦 Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad are reportedly showing interest in Manchester United centre back Raphael Varane! 🔴 [@RudyGaletti]
🔥 Imagine a team that had Varane, his former Real Madrid teammate Benzema & N’Golo Kante all included 😍 pic.twitter.com/C3JzQoA8kG
According to Saudi journalist Nawaf Oga, not only have early talks between the two clubs already taken place but it is said that Varane supposedly gave “positive indications”.
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Were the transfer to be greenlit, it would mark yet another big coup for the Saudi Pro League which has been tapping up top European talents for the past few months, with Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte being one of the latest set to make a move to the Middle East.
On the other hand, multiple sources have also discredited these rumours, with The United Stand informing fans that they understand the links “have no truth to them” and that the player is “happy at Manchester United”.
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The claims also come counter to recent reports that Varane wants to continue playing at the highest level possible in Europe for as long as he can, having told GQ back in March that he can only see himself retiring at Real Madrid, Man United or RC Lens, where he started his professional career.
🔴📰 | Raphaël Varane wants to continue playing European football for at least one more season, and is under contract with #mufc until 2025. [Sports Zone via @GFFN] pic.twitter.com/ahqAcZV92w
Nevertheless, now being the wrong side of 30, regularly prone to injuries/fitness problems and plenty of other players even younger than him have seized the highly lucrative opportunity, it would be all that surprising to see him be swayed.
Having recently taken aim at the FA by insisting that “there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players’ physical and mental well-being” — not to mention United being in four competitions this year — he might also be considering his own longevity.
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It also goes without saying that the Saudis would be over the moon to have another World Cup winner within their ranks and he would be joining his fellow compatriots Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté were he to join Al-Ittihad.
Neither the player nor ten Hag are yet to come out and address the rumours.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
21st August 2023 
