Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara has declared that Manchester City defender John Stones is better than Manchester United target Raphael Varane.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are pushing to sign the Real Madrid centre-back before the close of the transfer window next month, in a move that would considerably bolster the club's back line.
The World Cup winner would come in to partner Harry Maguire at the centre of defence, boosting United's hopes of competing for the Premier League title and ending the current trophy drought.
However, O'Hara has questioned Varane 's true level and has suggested that City defender Stones is the superior player.
"I love John Stones, I've always liked him. He's a brilliant football player," he told TalkSport. "He's the closest thing we've had to Rio Ferdinand, who along with John Terry, was the best centre-half in the Premier League.
"I love watching John Stones, I enjoy watching the way he plays. He's calm, he's composed but also a brilliant defender.
"Last season you had Ruben Dias alongside him which turned him into an even better defender because he had someone with him.
"I think with Varane he's going to have that with [Harry] Maguire but in my opinion I'd rather have John Stones in my team.
"If Varane's that good, why is he leaving Real Madrid at 28 years old? Why not give him a new deal? If they thought he was that brilliant they wouldn't be letting him leave. Manchester City aren't letting John Stones leave..."
