Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen for Raphael Varane and Casemiro to stay at the club despite the pair being linked with January departures.
Varane has forced his way back into Ten Hag’s side amid a defensive injury crisis, impressing on only his eighth start of the season against Liverpool on Sunday.
The World Cup and Champions League winner helped the Red Devils keep a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Casemiro has not featured for Man United since suffering an ankle injury on international duty in October.
According to ESPN, Ten Hag believes the former Real Madrid stars can still be important players for his team this season.
The Man United boss reportedly wants to keep the pair at the club until at least the end of the season.
Ten Hag would revisit his position if either Varane or Casemiro push for a move, but would expect a replacement to be found.
Mail Sport revealed this week the pair were among four players available for transfer as football director John Murtough held transfer talks with Saudi Arabian clubs earlier this month.
Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial were also the subject of talks with clubs in Riyadh.
Off-loading Sancho is United’s priority next month as the England forward has been banished from the first-team since effectively calling Erik Ten Hag a liar after he was dropped from United’s Premier League defeat at Arsenal in September.
United would listen to offers made for Varane, Martial and Casemiro, but will not force them out.
United’s need to sell is heightened by their accounting situation as the club are believed to be close to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules limit.
