Manchester United want a talented young centre-half in the January transfer window and it just so happens that there is no shortage on the shelves this Christmas.
But who is the player most likely to replace Raphael Varane at Old Trafford? Who is the defender, alongside Lisandro Martinez, upon whom Erik ten Hag could construct a new-look backline.
Antonio Silva – Benfica
Benfica coach Roger Schmidt believes Antonio Silva has the potential to become a ‘world-class’ centre-half. He also has the potential to become one of the most expensive. Silva has a 100 million euro release clause (£86 million) in his contract.
And, as Liverpool and Chelsea found out when negotiating deals for Darwin Nunez and Enzo Fernandez respectively, Benfica don’t tend to take too kindly to haggling. With funds tight at Old Trafford, Silva feels like a pipe dream.
Chances of him signing: 2/10
Goncalo Inacio – Sporting Lisbon
If a release clause looks set to spell the end of United’s hopes of luring Silva to Old Trafford, then it should have the opposite effect in their pursuit of Goncalo Inacio. With a £52 million clause in his own deal, the Sporting Lisbon stopper is available for far less than his Portuguese compatriot.
AS even report that Sporting may be willing to accept just £40 million up front, making Inacio one of the most affordable young centre-halves on the market.
One rather sizeable obstacle standing in United’s path, however, could be Inacio’s reported preference for Real Madrid.
Chances of him signing: 7/10
Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton
There are shades of Harry Maguire in young Jarrad Branthwaite, and we mean that as a compliment. An absolute wardrobe of a man at 6ft 5ins yet mobile enough to cover the ground and shrug off the most nimble of attackers, Branthwaite thrived under United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy on loan at PSV. His proven track record in the Premier League and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s reported desire to construct a rebuild around a spine of homegrown talent also work in Branthwaite’s favour.
The former Carlisle starlet signed a new long-term contract with Everton in October, however, meaning The Toffees are under no immediate pressure to sell.
Chances of him signing: 2/10
Radu Dragusin – Genoa
Barely a week goes by without Florin Manea – Dragusin’s agent – admitting to talks with one club or another. And while he is yet to confirm Man United’s interest in the Romania international, he did say that Newcastle are keen. Dan Ashworth’s Newcastle.
Manea has a good relationship with the man ‘increasingly likely’ to become the sporting director at Old Trafford. What’s more, with Genoa demanding £25 million, their ponytailed powerhouse is by far and away the cheapest and most affordable centre-half on this list.
Chances of him signing: 7/10
Leny Yoro – Lille
Out with the old, in with the new. Or, if you like, out with the old Raphael Varane, in with the new Raphael Varane. At 6ft 3ins, Yoro is a towering presence in both boxes, and helped Lille restrict PSG to a 1-1 draw recently. Comparisons between the 18-year-old and Varane were as inevitable as they were, well, rather fair, Manchester United making contact with Lille as they look to replace their injury-hit veteran.
The two big questions, however, are thus. Will Manhcester United really pay over £40 million for a player who only turned 18 weeks ago? With interest from Man City, PSG, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid too, can United also convince Yoro to reject some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and some with a far greater recent record than hte Red Devils when it comes to developing young talent.
Chances of him signing: 6/10
Jean-Clair Todibo – Nice
This is the one.
According to The Muppetiers, about as reliable a source as you could hope to find for all things Man United, Jean-Clair Todibo is ‘likely’ to become the club’s next big centre-back signing. Todibo was a target over the summer, and the connections that will be built between Man United and Nice following Ratcliffe’s takeover should smooth through any discussions.
As you might expect for a man once signed by Barcelona, Todibo is hugely confident with the ball at his feet and would be an upgrade on Varane in terms of distribution and progression from the back.
Chances of him signing: 8/10
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