Last season was an encouraging one for Manchester United, as they launched a surprising Premier League title challenge to Manchester City.
Though their bid for a first title win since 2013 eventually petered out, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to once again push City next season.
To do that he will need quality reinforcements, with defence being prioritised at the start of this summer’s transfer window.
Centre-back is particularly high up Solskjaer’s shopping list, with Real Madrid defender Raphael identified as the preferred option to become Harry Maguire’s partner at the back.
Here, Mirror Football rounds up the latest Manchester United transfer news…
Varane talks stepped up
Centre-back is one of the priorities for Manchester United this summer, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer searches for a quality partner for Harry Maguire.
Neither Eric Bailly nor Victor Lindelof have proven they can be that man long-term, with the Red Devils now dipping into the transfer market to fill that gap.
The name that has emerged as the top target for United is Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu.
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It seems unlikely that the Frenchman will stay with Madrid, with Los Blancos keen to bring in a fee for him rather than let him go for nothing.
But they are demanding an eye-watering asking price of £80million for the World Cup winner, a fee United are believed to be unwilling to meet.
The Manchester Evening News report though that despite that difference in valuation, United are working towards a deal for the defender and have submitted a bid of £50m.
Trippier's transfer fear
Kieran Trippier has emerged as one of United’s top targets for this window, with Solskjaer searching for competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
While Wan-Bissaka has cemented himself as United’s first-choice right-back, there remain questions over his attacking ability.
The Red Devils hope to solve those questions with the signing of Trippier, who impressed as Atletico Madrid won La Liga for the first time in seven years.
He became a regular under Diego Simeone, drawing the attention of United for his role in Atletico’s successful title challenge.
But The Times report that Trippier is fearful that the Spanish champions could price him out of a move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have so far offered a fee in the region of £20million for the Englishman, but Atletico are believed to be holding out for £35m, a valuation United will not meet.
Varane back-up identified
If the talks with Madrid around Varane fail to bear fruit, United will need to search for secondary targets to fulfil Solskjaer’s wishes.
Pau Torres has been one of those names linked with a move to Old Trafford if the Varane deal does not succeed.
Now Cristian Romero has reportedly joined Torres on that shortlist, with the centre-back having impressed for Atalanta.
He was signed from Serie A rivals Juventus last year, with his performances under Gian Piero Gasperini now attracting the eye of United.
According to L’Eco Di Bergamo, the Red Devils are sizing up a £38.5million move for the Argentine international.
But it is also stated that Atalanta wish to wait until the end of the Copa America before contemplating a sale, with the Italian side hoping to use the tournament to boost his valuation.
