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Raphael Varane’s departure from Manchester United has left very big boots to fill.
United’s defence last season, which for the most part had to do without Varane and Lisandro Martinez due to injury, hit a number of record lows and finished the Premier League season on a negative goal difference.
Another centre back, Jonny Evans, could be released as his one-year deal expires on Sunday. Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof has also been linked with a move away.
The possible loss of two centre backs may explain why United have been linked with so many, both left footed and right.
It also might explain their keen interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who is two-footed and can play on either side of the centre-back tandem.
Everton’s £70 million demand for Branthwaite has led to something of a stalemate in that regard, with United having only bid £35m + £8-£10m in bonuses.
In recent days, attention seems to have turned to Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, who is now surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena, with Kim Min-Jae and Dayot Upamecano the preferred starters.
But according to one of the most reliable sources, The Athletic’s David Ornstein, United are interested in acquiring both Branthwaite and De Ligt.
“Manchester United are seriously considering a move to sign Matthijs de Ligt,” Ornstein wrote.
“The 24-year-old centre-back is viewed as an increasingly viable candidate as United’s efforts to strengthen their back line intensify.
“Club-to-club negotiations are yet to take place and there is no certainty the move will happen, however he has emerged as a concrete target.”
Ornstein then describes a move for De Ligt as “likely to be more realistic than other options such as Jarrad Branthwaite,” but then says “the pursuit of De Ligt is independent to that of Branthwaite.”
The reporter then explains that United could be able to sign two centre backs if there are departures, “which are needed to generate finances and free up squad space.”
United’s ambition of chasing both players will be music to the ears of beleaguered United fans, who are desperate for reinforcements and who have been warned that the transfer budget this summer is minimal.
A complete lack of overt activity in the window so far has not helped the fans’ mood.
However, the transfer window is a marathon, not a sprint, and this sort of report will help keep spirits up, at least for the time being.
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