Manchester United Transfer Roundup: Sané, Varane, Joao Mario

As the season approaches its finish, Manchester United continue to be linked with transfer targets across Europe.

Manchester United will have another summer spending spree come July, with Leroy Sané, Raphael Varane, and Joao Mario highlighting recent speculation.

All three players would address certain needs for the squad – right wing, central defence, and the midfield. To be fair, there are several weak spots in the team (almost everywhere except goalkeeper), but the rumored transfer targets would fill immediate requirements.

Leroy Sané

At present, the most frequent name to be linked with the Red Devils is Leroy Sané. Numerous outlets have reported that Manchester City and Manchester United will battle it out for the Schalke player. As ESPN reports, the Blues have been watching the midfielder for months and will have to spend upwards of £30 million to beat out United.

Sané has scored nine times in the German league this season and has provided six assists. As a benchmark, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard have combined for ten goals and six assists in the Premier League. The right wing looks to be one of the positions for Ed Woodward to address in the summer, and the 20-year-old would be another young talent to add to the squad.

Raphael Varane

Real Madrid’s defensive prospect has expressed a growing level of frustration in the Spanish capital. Having failed to secure a starting role in the heart of the defence ahead of Sergio Ramos and Pepe, the 23-year-old has featured just 23 times in La Liga and six times in the Champions League.

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Varane is still viewed as one of the best young defenders in the world, but the more recent managers of Los Blancos – Ancelotti, Benitez, and Zidane – don’t share that opinion. The French international could make a move to Old Trafford if Jose Mourinho is brought in to replace Louis van Gaal, as it was the Portuguese manager who afforded Varane his initial taste of consistent first team football.

Several Spanish and English papers are suggesting Manchester United could be in the market for the defender, with the reported figure at £25 million. Varane would walk into the Reds’ defence next to Chris Smalling, forming a formidable partnership.

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Joao Mario

The Mancunians sparked rumors of an impending transfer for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder when United scouts were seen at the Sporting Braga match on Sunday. Mario would be yet another addition to the Manchester United midfield, though Michael Carrick’s exit in the summer would balance the move.

The 23-year-old had a good season for Sporting, scoring seven goals in 38 appearances. His impressive performances have earned recognition from other European clubs, namely Paris Saint-German. The French giants were reportedly rebuffed on an initial offer for Mario.

The player’s father has added fuel to the fire by suggesting his son would prefer England as his destination if he leaves Portugal.

Next: United's Outfield Premier League Players of the Season

Bonus: James Rodriguez

Another Real Madrid star is rumored to be searching for an exit from the Bernabeu, with ESPN sources suggesting he’d hope for a move to Manchester United if he departed. The Colombian international has had difficultly fitting into Zidane’s system but would likely become a focal point at Old Trafford. The major snags in a potential deal thus far have been the managerial situation for the Red Devils and the massive price tag associated with the move.