Man Utd tipped to surpass Varane transfer fee with bid for new main target to bolster defence

Manchester United have discovered they might have to pay more than they initially did for Raphael Varane if they want to sign their main defensive target for this year, according to a report.

In each of the past two summer transfer windows, Man Utd have invested in a high-class centre-back. In 2021, Varane arrived from Real Madrid for a fee believed to be £34million plus add-ons. Then, in 2022, Erik ten Hag lured Lisandro Martinez to follow him from Ajax in a deal worth an initial £49m.

Now, Man Utd are ready to add another centre-back to their squad for the third summer in a row. Their main target in that regard has recently been revealed: Axel Disasi.

Currently with Monaco, Disasi could be available this summer by virtue of his contract only having two years remaining on it.

Monday’s Transfer Gossip column named Man Utd as major admirers of the 25-year-old. Now, an update from Football Insider – the source that originally said Disasi is at the top of Man Utd’s defensive wish list – has clarified how they could sign him.

According to the website, Monaco have set an asking price of £40m, which would make him a more expensive signing than Varane (excluding add-ons) but cheaper than Martinez.

Should their valuation be met, the Ligue 1 side would be willing to sell Disasi. His other suitors include Chelsea and Manchester City, but Man Utd are in pole position as things stand.

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Disasi could build up Varane partnership

Last year, Disasi earned his first three senior caps for the France national team at the World Cup. In the process, he shared a pitch with Varane, starting next to him at right-back in a group-stage loss to Tunisia, for example.

Next season, Varane and Disasi could become teammates at club level as well. It remains to be seen whether the proposed new arrival would play more in his preferred position of centre-half or instead at right-back, which is another role Man Utd want to reinforce.

Centrally, they could say goodbye to the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones this summer. Therefore, they will need more depth in Disasi’s main position, even if Varane and Martinez might remain the regular starters.

To date, Disasi has made 122 appearances for Monaco, including 42 already this season. Over the past couple of campaigns, he has earned experience in Champions League qualifiers and the Europa League.

The next step of the former Reims defender’s career could be to come to the Premier League with a club like Man Utd. Since Varane will be 30 years old by the start of next season, with a contract also expiring in 2025, Disasi could in theory become his compatriot’s long-term successor.

First of all, though, the Red Devils must decide whether or not they believe the £40m valuation by Monaco is a reasonable one or not.

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