Manchester United considering alternatives for Raphael Varane

According to Spanish outlet Diario AS (h/t Sports Mole), Manchester United are aware that they could miss out on signing Raphael Varane this summer.

The 28-year-old is one of the club’s top defensive targets this summer as they look to bring in a reliable partner for Harry Maguire. Varane has just a year left on his Real Madrid contract and could be in search of a new challenge this summer.

While United are seen as frontrunners for his signature, there appear to be a concern if the deal can be agreed upon. The major sticking point appears to be the transfer fee.

According to the report, Real are against accepting a cut-price fee for the player. This in spite of the weak hand they hold in negotiations. Whether it is a power play to get maximum price remains to be seen.

United for their part appear to be preparing for any eventuality. They have already identified two alternatives namely Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Sevilla star Jules Kounde. Both players are valued at around £50m and are younger than Varane.

The Red Devils are familiar with either defender having faced them in the Europa League. Kounde led Sevilla past us in the semifinals in 2020 while Torres and co defeated us in the final earlier this year. It is fair to say that both players showed us exactly what they can add to our squad.

Varane is a top player and would be a dream addition. However, it would not be the worst decision if we choose to pass on him to land either Torres or Kounde. While neither player is at the Frenchman’s level, they are younger and have a longer career to develop and improve in.

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Having already landed Jadon Sancho, United’s summer has gotten off to a great start. The time has now come for us to address the long-standing issue in defence.