Manchester United contact Raphael Varane alternative

There are a number of positions in the current Manchester United squad which might be in need of reinforcements over the course of the summer. One of them is expected to be centre-back.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have managed to form a formidable partnership in the heart of defence this season. But even then, there is the feeling that that is an area of the pitch where further improvements could be made.

As a result, a number of centre-backs have been linked with the Red Devils over the course of the last few months as we approach the summer transfer window. Raphael Varane is one such player.

But with Real Madrid believed to be looking for a transfer fee in the region of £60 million for the French World Cup winner, the Premier League giants might be looking towards alternatives as well. Duncan Castles has told the The Transfer Window Podcast, as reported by Express, that the club have been making contacts with Sven Botman’s agents:

"“Sven Botman at Lille will almost certainly be sold this summer because Lille badly need to raise cash, and he has been outstanding for them in his debut season in French football.“United, I’m told, have been working and making contacts with Botman’s agents to explore the possibility. So he is on the list too.”"

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Manchester United have reportedly contacted Botman’s agents

Botman came through the youth ranks of Ajax but failed to make a single appearance for their first-team. As a result, he signed with Lille at the start of the 2020/2021 campaign and it is safe to say that he has been absolutely spectacular for the French side since then, as they compete with Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title, something that not many would have predicted.

His performances have managed to catch the eye of clubs around Europe and Liverpool have been linked with him in the past. Thus, Manchester United’s interest in signing him should not come as a surprise.

It was earlier this year that Botman turned 21 years of age. As a result, the sky is the limit for the Dutch defender if he can continue to develop at this pace. And while he might not have the experience of Varane, he could prove to be a shrewd signing on the part of Manchester United if they can make a deal happen.