Manchester United are busy pushing ahead and looking at transfer deals to follow up the acquisiton of Jadon Sancho.
Two players strong linked are the duo of Raphael Varane and Eduardo Camavinga.
ESPN report United are making progress for Varane while The Guardian say a move for Camavinga is developing, with Rennes ready to cash in.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was asked for his views on his FIVE YouTube channel about the potential double deal.
Ferdinand was very positive about Varane, who over the weekend he had admitted to texting to try and persuade to join United as the Frenchman weighs up a decision over his future.
Speaking on Varane he said: “He brings an absolute winning mentality. I think he’s played in 14 finals and won 14. He knows how to win, he’s got great experience. He’s an unbelievable specimen.
“Alongside Maguire he needs somebody with pace, the way they play. … he will bring authority to the backline.”
Less excited about Camavinga
Speaking about Camavinga, Ferdinand said he was unsure if the teenager is going to be ready to make an impact right away.
He said he would rather see United try to strike a deal for Declan Rice, who has been impressive at Euro 2020 and is three years older.
Ferdinand said: “I’ve seen a bit of him. I saw his debut where he got man of the match against PSG, unreal. He’s got talent, obviously, but is he going to come in and effect the team right now, or is he going to be like an Amad, nowhere near starting XI at the moment.
“Do we need Declan Rice, what he is doing in the England tream right now, for his age he’s our man. Then it comes down to ‘do United have the funds?’ Rice brings you character, he brings you character which is not in the game now as much as it was in my generation. Someone who’s a sponge to information, wants to get better, wants to get into an environment where you can have a chance of winning constantly. He is envious of his mates who are winning at other clubs. He reminds me of myself, you want to get into an environment where you can win.”
Ferdinand went onto suggest Rice may be jealous of his England teammates who are playing Champions League football. He explained how his tournament action at the World Cup with England in 2002 intensified his desire to move away from Leeds and sign with Manchester United.
As he notes, doing a deal for Rice is going to be very tough, especially this summer. West Ham boss David Moyes told Sky Sports earlier this year he values the midfielder at £100 million. The Telegraph report he has rejected two contract offers, but he is still signed up at the Hammers for another three years plus an option of a further 12 months the club are likely to exercise. So there is no getting Rice on the cheap.
This is why United are taking more of a look at Eduardo Camavinga, although it is quite possible the young Frenchman is more of a long term successor to Fred than a straight up defensive midfield alternative.
In theory if United cash in on Paul Pogba, there may be the funds to do both. It seems ambitious of course, and there are far better value defensive midfielders around if the Hammers’ £100 million valuation sticks, regardless of Rice’s quality.
Ferdinand’s point about Camavinga is a fair one, but United should look at the way Borussia Dortmund used Jude Bellingham last season in the Bundesliga.
Bellingham had a breakout campaign but only started 19 of 36 Bundesliga matches. They used him sparingly, and United would do the same with Camavinga. He would not be rushed, but he would not be left spending most of the time on the bench either. He has shown at Rennes he is ready to contribute, playing more than 80 first team games already in his career.
Camavinga is more than capable of coming to United and having an immediate impact, and then in two or three years time, United could have a superstar who is better than the level Rice is right now.
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