Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United against signing Kieran Trippier this summer, while also sending a message to other Old Trafford targets.
Speculation continues that the Red Devils are keen to land the Atletico Madrid right-back, with one bid already snubbed for the England man. That will not stop United, however, with a full-back, a centre-back and a new striker firmly on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s radar.
Long-term Jadon Sancho also remains an option despite an offer of £60m being rebuffed for the Dortmund winger.
But Ferdinand is of the opinion that Trippier is not the sort of player that United should go for. That is despite the former Tottenham man helping Atletico to the LaLiga title this past season.
He told the Metro: “I don’t think they’d buy someone to come in and play [every week], I think whoever’s coming in there is going to be playing backup.
“They spent £50m on Wan-Bissaka, not to be a backup or No.2.
“He [Trippier] wouldn’t be my choice if I’m honest, but I see the qualities he has.
“But Trippier definitely wouldn’t be my choice in terms of the profile of player that I’d be bringing in to play as a No.2 right-back.”
While Ferdinand does not want his old club to sign a new right-back, a central defender remains Solskjaer’s top priority.
However, United could be about to suffer a blow to their hopes of landing Real Madrid stalwart Raphael Varane.
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Chelsea make Varane move
Reports claim Chelsea have made signing Varane a priority this summer but face stiff competition for his signature.
The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the top defenders in the game over a decade with Los Blancos. He has made 360 appearances in all competitions, with a bulging trophy cabinet. The France international has won La Liga on three occasions while he has four Champions League winner’s medals.
And it is no wonder that top clubs are eyeing a swoop for the centre-back. He will fall out of contract at the end of next season and is still pondering a contract offer from Real.
But rumours are growing that the Lille-born ace fancies a new challenge. The Blues are said to be keen but there is also major interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness) are reporting that the Ligue 1 giants have ‘made contact’ about a possible move before the start of next season. There is also the large shadow of Manchester United hanging over any deal.
The Red Devils are known suitors of Varane and are said to be monitoring the situation carefully. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a player to partner to Harry Maguire.
Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly do not seem the answer and so Varane is a viable option. Much will depend on the player’s ambition and whether he fancies the challenge of playing in the Premier League.
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Varane could reunite with Ramos
It remains to be seen if Varane does leave Real but Sergio Ramos seems likely to quit the Bernabeu. The Real and Spain legend is now 35 but still attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs.
Chelsea were linked back in April and were said to have opened talks, with Ramos’s deal set to expire this summer. It was said that the Blues were prepared to pay him around €25m per season.
That has not been confirmed but there would be no transfer fee to pay. There is also interest from Spain, with Sevilla said to be keen on the veteran.
And the Mirror (citing the El Primer Palo show on esRadio), suggest they are happy to offer him a five-year deal. That would be an extraordinary deal given his age and see him play past the age of 40.
Thomas Tuchel would welcome either player at Stamford Bridge but is thought to have made Varane a ‘priority’.
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