Amid news Raphael Varane is set to leave Manchester United here are five players that could replace the Frenchman at Old Trafford.
On Tuesday it was announced that Varane will leave United when his contract runs out at the end of the campaign. The 31-year-old joined from Real Madrid back in July 2021 for an initial £34million and has made 93 appearances for the Old Trafford club.
"Despite the fact we have had a difficult season, I am very positive for the future," said Varane.
"The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.
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"I will see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye in the last home game this season. And it's going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure."
Here are five players that could replace the former France international at United.
Jarrad Branthwaite
The 21-year-old Everton defender has been widely linked to United for months after a breakthrough season on Merseyside.
Branthwaite joined Everton in 2020 after loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven and has this season established himself in the Everton first team and been awarded an England call-up.
Though inexperienced, he is both a solid and disciplined defensive player while simultaneously capable of progressing the ball from the back.
Jean-Clair Todibo
The Nice and France defender has been attracting attention from the continent’s biggest clubs, while he was last year the subject of an offer from United when it appeared Harry Maguire would be departing.
“I'm not going to lie and say that I didn't tell myself that perhaps I should play in a 'top club'... But there are also guarantees when playing at Nice," he told L'Equipe at the time. “I experienced it differently from my previous situations in my career. My thinking was much more in-depth and thoughtful. I didn't want to make a mistake in my choice. I remained very calm. Reflection is much more important than when I started. I'm waiting to be presented with the complete project."
With a space opening up in United’s defence, and Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe now owning a stake in United, Todibo may be more convinced by a Premier League move this summer.
Gleison Bremer
It has been widely reported that Juventus would be open to selling Brazilian centre-back Gleison Bremer in this summer’s transfer window, with United believed to be interested.
The 27-year-old has been among Juventus' star players this term, with Caught Offside claiming he would set United back by around €55-70million (£47.30-£60.20million) this summer.
Marc Guehi
Since leaving Chelsea for Crystal Palace in an £18million deal in 2021, Marc Guehi has established himself among the Premier League’s most promising defenders and entrenched himself in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
However, with just two years remaining on his Palace deal, the South Londoners are likely to cash in on the 23-year-old this summer. United are among a spate of clubs that are said to be interested.
Edmond Tapsoba
Edmond Tapsoba has had the season of his life at Bayer Leverkusen, with the Bundesliga club on course for an unprecedented unbeaten treble.
In February several publications reported that his performances had attracted the interest of United.
It was alleged at the time that United were willing to sell Victor Lindelof to make room for the 25-year-old, who has also been linked to Tottenham.
Topics: Manchester United, Transfer News, Premier League, Football, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo
Chris Byfield