Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes turned down three approaches from PIF-owned Saudi clubs this summer.
Fernandes was strongly pursued by Al-Hilal prior to the Club World Cup, with his agent Miguel Pinho flying over to Saudi for a week of meetings.
The 30-year-old was tempted by the opportunity but after speaking to his family decided to do at least one more season with Manchester United.
Hilal never made an approach to Manchester United, but were ready to pay over £80million if given a green light by Fernandes. All parties deny Fernandes has a £60m release clause.
Fernandes decided it was better to stay at Manchester United in a World Cup year, especially given this could be his last appearance at the tournament.
However, he remains open to Saudi Arabia with dealmakers still intent on signing him in summer 2026.
Manchester United could be tempted to sell next summer, especially given the temptation to bid for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in 12 months time, a deal that’s likely to cost £100m+.
Fernandes was also subject of an informal approach from Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in late July.
Ronaldo is now directly involved in Nassr's recruitment after extending his contract with the club.
Fernandes was again firm in his desire to stay in Europe for at least another 12 months. talkSPORT understand this was communicated directly to Ronaldo.
Unperturbed by Fernandes turning down Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, Saudi champions Al-Ittihad also contacted Fernandes around two weeks before the British window shut on September 1.
Ittihad knew they couldn't advance anything without an outgoing as their foreign quota was full, and that still remains the case heading towards the September 10 Saudi deadline.
It's also why the club prioritised adding Braga’s Roger Fernandes, since the 19-year-old Portuguese winger counts towards their Under-21 quota where there was space to recruit.
There has been talk all summer that Fabinho or even N'Golo Kante could depart Al-Ittihad, freeing up space for a bid for Fernandes. But both players remain at the club, as it stands.
Saudi sides have largely treated September 1 as their own de facto deadline for trying to sign European stars, knowing clubs are unlikely to sell their stars with no ability to now replace.
As a result, even with time still left before the Saudi window shuts, Fernandes is not expected to leave Manchester United.
Even if a surprise offer does arrive, Fernandes has not changed his mind about leaving Old Trafford this summer.
What has Fernandes said about his future?
The Portugal star addressed speculation over a summer exit during the international break in June.
“There was an opportunity," Fernandes said.
"The [Al Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me.
"I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go.
"Manchester United didn’t want to sell me. They don’t need the money.
"If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen."