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After finishing second in the Premier League last season, Manchester United are ready to sign more players to set up the team for success in the upcoming campaign.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are expected to officially announce the arrival of Jadon Sancho imminently. Reports claim the manager also wants to add a centre-back and a defensive midfielder to strengthen the squad.
The Red Devils have yet to win a trophy under the Norwegian. However, things are increasingly looking brighter for the club after they narrowly missed out on the UEFA Europa League trophy against Villarreal.
To increase their chances of winning a trophy this season, several players have been linked with moves to Manchester United. On that note, here is a look at five of them.
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#5 Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier is entering the final year of his contract with Atletico Madrid. He is said to be eager to return to the Premier League, with Manchester United ready to welcome him.
The right-back joined Atletico Madrid in 2018 for a fee of £20 million plus add-ons and won the La Liga title last season.
With Solskjaer looking to add more defensive options before the start of the campaign, Trippier has emerged as a potential target.
At Euro 2020, the 30-year-old was a pleasure to watch whenever he played. He was a constant threat down the right flank and even helped create England's goal against Italy in the final.
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender provided six assists in 28 La Liga matches last season. Comparatively, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Manchester United's first-choice right-back, managed four assists in 34 games.
Additionally, Trippier is a set-piece specialist and will surely be a great player to have.
#4 Ruben Neves
Manchester United are reportedly rivalling Arsenal for the signature of Ruben Neves. The midfielder joined Wolverhampton Wanderers for around £15.8 million in 2017 and has three years left on his contract.
Since Bruno Fernandes is his international teammate, Neves could be tempted to join the Red Devils over the Gunners.
The former Sporting Lisbon midfielder is also said to be keen on having Neves join him at Manchester United. As such, a move for the 24-year-old is highly plausible but would cost approximately £35 million.
Last season, Neves scored five goals and recorded one assist in 36 Premier League appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also played a crucial role in the Wolves' 2019-20 UEFA Europa League campaign, where he made nine appearances and led his team to the quarter-finals.
#3 Leon Goretzka
According to reports, Manchester United have spoken to Leon Goretzka's agents as the club ramp up their interest in the Bayern Munich player.
The Bundesliga giants want to keep Goretzka and are believed to have offered him a contract extension, but talks remain at a deadlock.
Since joining Bayern Munich in 2018, the 26-year-old has played 112 games in all competitions and scored 25 times. If he fails to extend his contract with the Bavarians this summer, he will be able to join any club on a free transfer next summer. Real Madrid are reportedly ready to bring the player to Spain.
Manchester United need to act fast to sign the Germany international. At 26, Goretzka has a wealth of experience in European football and on the international stage. Should he join Solskjaer's side, he will definitely bolster their stability in midfield.
#2 Eduardo Camavinga
Fresh from an impressive season with Rennes, Eduardo Camavinga has garnered plenty of interest from top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United.
The Red Devils are keen on bringing the 18-year-old to Old Trafford despite reports that Camavinga prefers a move to Spain.
Speaking to RMC (via GFFN), Rennes' president Nicolas Holveck said:
“Discussions are still ongoing, everything is open, either for a departure during this transfer window – if an offer satisfies everyone – or to extend [Camavinga’s deal]. He won’t leave for cheap, we’ve had a lot of discussions but nothing is complete one way or another.”
Camavinga's contract expires next year, and he could cost Manchester United £25.7 million this summer. Having kept tabs on the talented midfielder for the last two years, Solskjaer's side are ready to wait until Rennes drop their asking price later in the transfer window.
Camavinga's prowess as a defensive midfielder will certainly add value to the Manchester United squad.
#1 Raphael Varane
After spending a decade with Real Madrid, Raphael Varane is expected to leave Spain and join Manchester United this summer.
The Red Devils have been in contact with the French centre-back, and all that is left is for the two clubs to reach an agreement.
Although Los Blancos are at risk of losing Varane on a free transfer next summer, they reportedly want £50 million for the defender in the current window. The 28-year-old is seen as a potential centre-back partner to Harry Maguire, who enjoyed an impressive performance for England at Euro 2020.
Last season, Manchester United conceded 44 goals, the most amongst the clubs which finished in the Premier League top four. If Varane comes to Old Trafford, he could potentially ensure that the Red Devils concede fewer goals and make the club a stronger title contender.
