With Manchester United linked with one centre-back after another in this summer’s transfer window, here’s a ranking of their seven main targets in that position, from worst to best…
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7) Stefan de Vrij (Lazio)
A decent defender who’s had a good first season in Serie A with Lazio, but Stefan de Vrij is arguably not quite experienced enough yet at the very top level to make a move to a big club like Manchester United. Not by any means a bad choice, but the least suitable of those being considered by the Red Devils at the moment.
6) Dante (Bayern Munich)
A strong and solid defender, but there’s maybe an argument to be made that Bayern Munich star Dante is a little sluggish and prone to errors at times, and that would be even more exploited in the frenetic pace of the Premier League. Few would complain if he did sign, but there are better options out there than the big Brazilian.
5) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
One of the best young defenders in the world, Real Madrid starlet Raphael Varane is another player United could look to sign this summer, though if we’re nitpicking it could be said that the French international has only really impressed in fits and starts at the Bernabeu, never quite becoming a regular starter for the club.
4) Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Another impressive young Frenchman showing great form in La Liga, Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte is also on United’s radar this summer and perhaps looks an even better prospect than Varane at the moment.
3) Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
A player who has shone for Borussia Dortmund throughout the years, Mats Hummels is another superb defender who could fit in well at Old Trafford, though his injury record puts him narrowly behind two other ideal options.
2) Nicolas Otamendi (Valencia)
Probably the stand-out defender in La Liga this season, Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi seems to be one of United’s priority targets this summer, and it’s easy to see why after this rock-solid season from the Argentine, who also impressed at previous club Porto.
1) Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Top of the pile is Paris Saint-Germain youngster Marquinhos, who has shone at the very top level for the last couple of years now and who has been hugely unfortunate to lose his place this season after the ridiculous signing of David Luiz from Chelsea. Marquinhos is arguably PSG’s best defender and still has his best years ahead of him, making him the best possible signing for United in that part of the pitch.