Which of these defenders should United sign?
With Manchester United looking highly likely to make a move for a new centre-back in the January transfer window, CaughtOffside has a look at the club’s main targets and how suitable they would be.
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The Red Devils have been suspect at the back for much of this season, with youngsters such as Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair playing more often than would have been expected and with results not yet overly convincing under new manager Louis van Gaal.
The Dutchman spent big on new attacking players in the summer, but will surely now switch his focus to new arrivals at the back, showing that he is not afraid to splash the cash on the players he wants.
According to various recent reports, these nine players perhaps seem the likeliest candidates to come in to Old Trafford this winter, so read on to see how we rank them from worst to best:
9) Adil Rami (AC Milan)
Having fallen out of favour at AC Milan this season, Adil Rami has emerged as a target for United in defence. However, if the Frenchman hasn’t managed to establish himself in Serie A, he is unlikely to do so in the Premier League.
8) Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Recently linked with a surprise return to Manchester United from Barcelona, Gerard Pique looks an unwise choice for the club at the moment due to his price tag and drastic dip in form in the last year or so.
7) Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Targeted as a backup option to their other top targets, Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur is also being considered by United, but surely isn’t good enough if he can’t even get in the Spurs team this season?
6) Winston Reid (West Ham United)
Another player being watched by United is West Ham’s Winston Reid, who is possibly available on the cheap as he nears the end of his contract. A solid enough defender, but probably not the absolute best option.
5) Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)
Also a rumoured target for Arsenal, Ron Vlaar‘s contract situation could see him leave Aston Villa on the cheap this January, and Louis van Gaal should know all about him from their time with the Dutch national team.
4) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
An exciting young defender, Aymeric Laporte has been linked with an exit from Athletic Bilbao this January and is being watched by United among other clubs. Perhaps risky due to his inexperience, but a player with tremendous potential.
3) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
A £19m target, Raphael Varane has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea in recent times, and could be great value for money at that price, with some great showings in defence for a big club despite being only 21.
2) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Rated at around £47m, Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels would no doubt be an excellent signing for the Red Devils, though he fails to make top spot in this list due to his incredibly high asking price.
1) Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
Possibly available for just £20m, Atletico Madrid’s Brazilian defender Miranda is surely the best player available in that position at the moment, and at the best price. Having played a major role in Diego Simeone’s sides’s incredible title win last season, he has all the qualities needed to succeed at Old Trafford.