Patrice Evra: Man Utd defender wants Juventus move

Juventus have made contact with Manchester United over Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra has asked to leave Manchester United - but stopped short of handing in a transfer request.

Juventus had earlier approached the Old Trafford club over the France international's availability.

United recently triggered a clause in 33-year-old Evra's contract that saw him sign a one-year deal.

However, the player has contacted officials at United in a bid to push through the move to Italy, which is close to completion.

Evra was part of the France side that was knocked out of the World Cup by Germany

The transfer will be a straight cash deal, so Juve midfielder Arturo Vidal will not be involved, despite reports of interest in the Chilean midfielder from United.

Evra made 45 appearances for United in all competitions last season as they finished seventh in the Premier League after a disappointing campaign under former manager David Moyes.

He was part of the France World Cup squad and played in four out of their five games, including the quarter-final defeat by Germany.

Evra joined United for £5.5m from Monaco in January 2006.

He has made 379 appearances for the club, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. It was anticipated he would replace Nemanja Vidic as club captain following the Serb's summer exit to Inter Milan.

Manager Louis van Gaal does have a ready-made replacement for Evra in new signing Luke Shaw should a deal with Juventus eventually be concluded, although with Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs no longer available, it would mean a significant loss of experience.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have announced their first game at Old Trafford with Van Gaal in charge will be a friendly against Valencia on 12 August.