Transfer news: Patrice Evra linked with Manchester United exit - with Monaco a possible destination

Evra's contract expires at the end of the season and he is one of a number of players who are yet to be offered an extension with the reigning Premier League champions

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra is reported to be considering options open to him abroad as he nears the end of his contract, with the long-serving left-back closing in on an Old Trafford departure.

Although Evra has not made a decision on where his future lies, the France international is yet to be offered a new deal to keep him at United, and with his current contract expiring in the summer, he is said to be considering his options.

A return to France would appear the most likely with both AS Monaco and Paris Saint Germain said to be interested – United signed Evra from the former in January 2006. Manager David Moyes made no secret of his desire to sign England left-back Leighton Baines from Everton during last summer’s transfer window, and he even informed Evra of his intention to bring in competition for his position – something which Evra openly welcomed.

Moyes was spotted in Sardina on Sunday afternoon watching the Serie A encounter between Cagliari and Juventus, with widespread reports that the Scot was watching both left-back Davide Astori on the home side and central midfielder Claudio Marchisio of the Italian league champions.

United could see as many as eight first team squad members leave on a free transfer in the summer, with United yet to address their contract situations heading into the second half of the season.

One of those is club captain Nemanja Matic, who is believed to be attracting interest from Italian side Napoli, currently managed by former Premier League regular Rafa Benitez.

Vidic’s agent Silvano Martino has previously said: “At the moment, I would rule out an extension with Manchester United.”

His long-time defensive partner Rio Ferdinand is also considering his future, with a move into TV punditry on the horizon as BT Sport line him up for their chief analyst role. The former England captain could look for one last lucrative swansong abroad before retirement, with a new contract at Old Trafford currently looking the unlikeliest of options as Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling continue to develop.