da pinup bet： An early transfer blow for Manchester United has already come in the shape of Marquinhos penning a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
da doce： The 20-year-old Brazilian was linked with the Red Devils during January after emerging as one of the planet’s best young defenders and was seen as a potentially wise addition at Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal sets about repairing his rearguard.
Naturally the news that such a player is not available is a negative for the club, but there is no need to fear, as there are plenty more fish in the sea. So cast out your net, Louis, because any of this FIVE may be worth catching…
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Raphael Varane
A £30m swoop has been talked up, and it’s easy to see why United are rumoured to be ready to pay such a sum. Varane, simply put, is one of the very best young centre-backs on the planet, with the 21-year-old already a regular for France and Real Madrid – giants of the international and club game – showing that he must have that special something.
Very much the new breed of defender, the former Lens man is adept on the ball, quick across the turf and intelligent when reading the game.
Mats Hummels
The long-term Louis van Gaal target, Hummels looks to be back on the club’s radar. United chased the German World Cup winner throughout summer 2014 but ultimately failed to land him, yet Dortmund’s underwhelming season may leave the wider more open this time around.
Widely regarded as the best centre back around, Hummels is commanding, strong, quick and excellent with the ball at his feet. Ideal for LVG’s much used 3-4-3 system if he goes back to it.
Nicolas Otamendi
Rugged and fierce in the tackle, Otamendi is a little ‘old school’ when it comes to the art of defending, which certainly has its place despite the changing nature of the game. An uncompromising centre-back, the Argentine has been a key member of the resurgent Valencia side, who look on course to get back into the Champions League thanks, in part, to the heavy investment of new owner Peter Lim.
A release clause-triggering offer of close to £40m may be needed, but Otamendi can also play at right-back, which will come as a boost for LVG given that he’s been using Antonio Valencia in the role.
Stefan de Vrij
A player coached by Van Gaal at the World Cup last summer, De Vrij has emerged as a target for the coming transfer window of late. He opted to join Lazio at the start of the current campaign, but even though he’s been in Rome for less than 12 months, United are said to be keen.
The 23-year-old is adept at centre-back and was a key part of Feyenoord’s impressive 2013/14 side, forming a solid partnership with Bruno Martins Indi – now at Porto.
Jose Gimenez
Even tough a more experienced head may be of use at United right now, Atletico Madrid’s rising star Gimenez is an option. The 20-year-old has forced his way into the La Liga champions’ first team this season, and his bravery alongside countryman Diego Godin has been enough to keep Joao Miranda out of Diego Simeone’s XI.
Atleti are unlikely to be open to the idea of offloading the Uruguayan, but United have the financial muscle to potentially turn their heads.