Patrice Evra is set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season and the left-back is considering a move abroad.
While the United vice-captain is yet to make a final decision, Evra is out of contract at the end of June and the club have so far not offered him a deal. The Frenchman will be 33 in May and David Moyes's pursuit of a left-back has made it clear where Evra stands in the manager's plans, though he remains an admirer of the player's abilities.
If Evra does to leave the champions, a return to Monaco, the French club from whom he joined United in January 2006, may appeal.
Moyes informed Evra in person some time ago that he intended to bring in competition for his position. While it is understood that Evra accepted the decision, he has decided to explore his options. Moyes made a bid in last summer's transfer window for Leighton Baines and retains a firm interest in his former charge at Everton, and also in Southampton's Luke Shaw. The United manager was in Sardina on Sunday to reportedly monitor the Cagliari centre-back Davide Astori.
Other senior United players may leave in the close season. Nemanja Vidic, the captain, whose contract also expires then, is likewise yet to be offered further terms and is interesting Napoli. Last week his agent, Silvano Martino, said: "At the moment, I would rule out an extension with Manchester United."
Rio Ferdinand, Vidic's central defensive partner, who has lost his place in Moyes's first XI, is also actively considering leaving United at the end of his 12-month contract in the summer. If Ferdinand does leave he may take up a lucrative offer abroad.
