Man Utd should sell Raphael Varane and sign one of these five centre-backs
- Raphael Varane's future at Man Utd is currently up in the air
- Man Utd have declined the option to trigger a clause to extend his current contract
- Five defenders they should look at to replace Varane
It's fair to say that Raphael Varane's Manchester United future is a bit up in the air right now.
Having been surprisingly out-of-favour at Old Trafford for a period earlier in the 2023/24 season, the 30-year-old has fought his way back into the club's starting lineup in recent weeks. However, despite his position in the squad hierarchy, United have so far declined the opportunity to trigger a 12-month extension clause in his current contract - meaning that his deal is due to run out this summer.
With talk of an impending move to Saudi Arabia, it's feasible that the Frenchman could move on.
Here are the Varane replacements that Unitedshould be eyeing up in the transfer window:
Jean-Clair Todibo
Current club: OGC Nice
Jean-Clair Todibo's Nice do not concede goals.
So far during the 2023/24 campaign, Todibo has led a defence which has allowed a measly nine goals and kept a stunning 12 clean sheets.
He's also reported to be available for £35m - that's £45m less than Harry Maguire cost.
Ousmane Diomande
Current club: Sporting CP
If you're played FM24, you'll know exactly how good Ousmane Diomande is.
If you haven't, good for you you have a life.
Having become a regular at Sporting CP, the 20-year-old has been one of the highest-rated young defenders in world football for quite a while.
As adept on the ball as he is off it, the sky seems to be the limit for the talented centre-back.
Giorgio Scalvini
Current club: Atalanta
Speaking of FM24 favourites, here's Giorgio Scalvini.
The Atalanta youngster is the latest in a long line of talented Italian defenders, and despite his tender age he's already a regular at senior international level - racking up seven caps since making his debut in 2022.
Considering his age, profile and potential, the rumoured £50m price tag that Atalanta have slapped on his head is pretty damn reasonable.
Marc Guehi
Current club: Crystal Palace
Another talented young centre-back with a rumoured £50m price tag is Marc Guehi.
The current Crystal Palace captain has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League in recent seasons, and would slot seamlessly into Man Utd's lineup if signed.
Edmond Tapsoba
Current club: Bayer Leverkusen
Edmond Tapsoba is a name you've seen on gossip columns for quite a while. And judging by his performances in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen this season, it's easy to see why.
The Burkina Faso native has been outstanding for Xabi Alonso's side, particularly due to his ability on the ball - Tapsoba has completed over 93% of his passes in all competitions this season.
That stat, as well as his rumoured £38m price tag, makes him an ideal signing for United.
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