Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Raphael Varane, Nicolas Otamendi Raid Eyed

Manchester United are reportedly setting aside £70 million to fund the transfers of Raphael Varane and Nicolas Otamendi.

The pair are at the top of Louis van Gaal's summer wishlist as he seeks to strengthen his defence, per Anthony Chapman of the Express:

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It is believed that the Red Devils have sent scouts to watch Otamendi, 27, in action at the Mestalla, with earlier reports suggesting that United are ready to meet his £40m release clause after making enquiries in the January transfer window.

Varane is also said to be keen on linking up with Van Gaal despite interest from former boss Jose Mourinho.

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Real Madrid centre-back Varane is reportedly unhappy at the Bernabeu after failing to break the partnership between Sergio Ramos and Pepe. Indeed, the Frenchman has played several hundred fewer minutes than his Spanish and Portuguese rivals, per WhoScored.com.

However, in January Varane claimed to be happy despite the situation.

According to Charles Perrin of the Express, he said: "I'm 100 percent with the team and feeling happy. I have a contract until 2020. I'm calm and when I've played, I've tried to do well. Sergio Ramos and Pepe play more than me, but I try to do the best I can."

Still, the prospect of starting—and the 21-year-old would surely warrant a starting berth—every game at United would be very tempting. The Red Devils are undoubtedly in need of defensive reinforcements, and Varane would fit the bill perfectly. 

As noted by Bleacher Report's own Nick Dorrington, Varane has all the necessary attributes of a successful modern centre-back. Tall, strong, powerful in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet (as shown in the video below), the France international appears to have what it takes to make it in the Premier League.

Not to mention at 21, he would be an excellent long-term acquisition and could command United's back line for years to come.

Otamendi would be a brilliant defensive signing too, though Spanish football writer Sergi Dominguez doubts that a move is imminent:

The 27-year-old is reaching the peak years of his career, and he has impressed with his commanding performances for Valencia. According to Squawka, the Argentinian has won 50 percent of his tackles this season, as well as 64 percent of his aerial duels, which is comparable with Jonny Evans and superior to Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

Otamendi's all-action performances haven't escaped the notice of the Examiner's Jonas Giæver:

Van Gaal's team are clearly in need of defensive reinforcement. Though they have conceded just 27 league goals this season, that can be largely attributed to the phenomenal form of David de Gea.

Two new centre-backs should be a priority in the summer as United seek to restore the air of invulnerability they enjoyed in the peak days of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Varane and Otamendi would provide this.

Signing both would obviously require more serious spending but should United land the pair then a title challenge next season looks a realistic possibility, particularly if they can acquire another forward and midfield option.