Reports say that Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Real Madrid for Raphael Varane, ahead of a move to Old Trafford this summer.
Ole Gunnar Solkskjaer is keen to strengthen his defence and the Frenchman will undoubtedly do that.
French outlet L’Equipe reports that, whilst Varane has agreed personal terms with the club, there has been no offer from United to Real Madrid.
But, at the moment, that is the only thing stopping him from becoming a United player.
They add that it looks likely that he will leave the club this summer.
But where will Varane fit into Solskjaer’s system? You would assume that he will partner Harry Maguire in central defence.
And his signature could be bad news for some current United stars, who may now see their future elsewhere.
1.Eric Bailly
Bailly was always seen as someone who would be the perfect partner for Maguire.
Quick, strong, and composed on the ball are the Ivorian’s key attributes, which is very similar to potential new man Varane.
However, Bailly’s injury record has potentially cost him the opportunity to hold down a starting spot next to Maguire.
United’s new addition will certainly limit his game time next season.
2.Axel Tuanzebe
At 23, Tuanzebe might not quite be ready for the United first-team just yet.
After a good loan spell at Aston Villa in the Championship a few years ago, there is definitely potential that he will be ready to partner Maguire at some point.
With the potential arrival of Varane, however, he is unlikely to get that chance now.
A loan move has been speculated this summer, but perhaps United will also consider a permanent deal if they do complete the signature of Varane.
3.Aaron Wan-Bissaka
As well as Varane, United have been linked with Kieran Trippier this summer.
With Solskjaer playing a three-man defence at times since he took over, there was potential for both Trippier and Wan-Bissaka to feature in the same side, with the former at wing-back and the latter as a right centre-back.
This is a position that the former Crystal Palace man has played before and would allow United to be more tactically flexible moving forward.
If Varane signs, however, a back-three of Varane, Lindelof, and Maguire will likely be the preferred backline, meaning Wan-Bissaka would have to settle for a spot on the bench.