Man Utd could sign four defenders on the cheap in January if Varane leaves
Manchester United might hope to strike a bargain January deal if Raphael Varane leaves for Bayern Munich. According to reports, the Red Devils outcast could depart for just £17million in the January transfer window, leaving Erik ten Hag light at centre-back.
Express Sport looks at some cheap options.
Jean-Clair Todibo
United have been strongly linked with French star Todibo. That the 23-year-old plays for Jim Ratcliffe-owned Nice could make a deal even easier.
Ratcliffe will likely be able to facilitate a bargain for the former Barcelona defender. Todibo is one of Nice’s most consistent performers, playing the full 90 minutes in all but one of their Ligue 1 games this season.
At a young age, Todibo could be the main centre-back at United for the next decade. It would certainly be one of the best early deals Ratcliffe could strike once his bid for 25 per cent of United is ratified.
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Mario Hermoso
Atletico Madrid star Hermoso has a contract that expires at the end of the season. United might be able to strike a cheap deal, either with a permanent move in January or with a pre-contract agreement ahead of the summer window.
A combative defender who plays right on the edge, the 28-year-old would form an excellent partnership with Lisando Martinez. However, United could do with a younger signing to complement the likes of Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
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Lloyd Kelly
United can add to their quota of homegrown talent by striking a deal for Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly. The 25-year-old becomes a free agent at the end of the season and while United will not be able to sign a pre-agreement in January, they could strike a cut-price transfer.
Kelly has been one of the best defenders outside the Premier League’s Big Six over the last two seasons. Tottenham have also been linked with the former Bristol City man.
A left-footed defender, Kelly might find himself competing with Martinez for a place in the United defence. However, he can also cover at left-back where Ten Hag’s options have struggled with injuries of late.
Presnel Kimpembe
Another star whose contract could expire next summer is PSG defender Kimpembe. A spate of serious injuries have prevented the 28-year-old from featuring regularly for the French champions over the last two seasons.
Kimpembe suffered hamstring and Achilles problems last season. The latter injury has kept him out into this season.
However, a change of scenery could allow Kimpembe to thrive into his prime years. Having captained PSG on occasion, he would bring leadership qualities to the United dressing room. Like Kelly, the Red Devils could strike a bargain deal in January.
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