Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane and Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti have both been linked with a switch to Manchester United next summer. According to recent reports, the Red Devils are in ‘constant talks’ with Barca defender Umtiti as United boss remains eager to bring him to Old Trafford at the end of the season. The Frenchman is only experiencing his second season at the Nou Camp but has regularly featured alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the Catalans defence this season. The 24-year-old has put in some solid displays in the La Liga this term which has caught the eyes of the reigning Europa League champions who are eager to make a swoop for his services.
Some sources are also claiming that Real Madrid would be willing to part ways with their defender Raphael Varane with Mourinho looking for a new centre-back who he can play alongside Eric Bailey next season. It is being reported that the Red Devils would need to cough up £54m (€60m) if they are serious about landing Varane.
Both Umtiti and Varane are just 24-year-old and still have their peak years ahead of them which United could look to utilise in the coming years. Varane has featured in 32 matches for Los Blancos this season and has two assists to his name whereas Umtiti has made 31 appearances for Barcelona this term across all competitions.
Varane has 40 international caps to his name while Umtiti has represented France 14 times during his international career. Both defenders will be a perfect fit for Mourinho’s United as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and Manchester City in the coming years.
Manchester United are currently occupying the second place in the Premier League standings with a tally of 65 points in 30 league matches. In any other season, Jose Mourinho’s side would be well in contention of winning the league but the record-breaking form of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has seen them fall behind in the race for the league title. The Citizens of Manchester are leading the Premier League by a massive 16 points with the Red Devils desperately trying to play catch up with their ‘noisy neighbours’.
Umtiti is a ball-playing centre-back while Varane has more pace in defence. Both centre-backs are well capable of bolstering United’s defence ahead of the new campaign. It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils are able to lure either of them to Old Trafford in the near future.
