Top 4 central defenders Manchester United could sign in January

Once it was contentious, with many claiming it was just a myth. Then it became clear. Then calamitous. Then funny. And now pitiful. It is the shortage of quality in Man United's defence. So calamitous is the situation it is almost inconceivable that this is the same defence that went toe-to-toe with Spurs' to be crowned league's best last season.

Perhaps therein lies the problem. It is the exact SAME defence. No upgrades. No injection of quality. Stale competition for places. And while players, particularly those in the age group of United's defenders ought to be improving and adding maturity, leadership and consistency to their game, the opposite is true for the likes of Phil Jones. That said Old Trafford could do with fresh faces at the back.

Step forward these 4 candidates. Media usually has a field day with Man United rumours and these players are no exception as the recent past has shown. Ideally, for United, any new arrivals should boast tactical and technical proficiency - positional awareness, strength in the tackle, ability to play from the back etc - as well as maturity and leadership. Obviously, those marketing would also like a player with a following and a face that doesn't scare little children.

Ranging from all over Europe, the qualities and flavours they would take to Old Trafford could be just what United need right now. And only one of them is certainly not enough so some players need to be shown the exit. Phil Jones? Rojo? Smalling? Food for thought.

#4 Milan Skriniar

Manchester United are crying out for a tough-tackling centre-back and Inter Milan's 23-year-old Milan Skriniar could be the answer to their prayers.

Reports have been going around linking him with a £70 million move away from Italy with Manchester named as a possible destination. His qualities are well documented, particularly his tackle proficiency and affinity for the short pass. His injury record is also admirable when compared to the likes of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo as he played all 38 games last season. Having amassed just 2 yellow cards in the league last term, the Slovakian could definitely be the calamity-free defender United need so badly. His age is also highly appealing as he could be a long-term solution as opposed to the short-term fixes United boss Jose Mourinho is famous for signing.

Factor in the development he could still undergo and he becomes a player suitors must sign before his value skyrockets.

#3 Harry Maguire

The 25-year-old Harry Maguire combines the combines the qualities of both Alessio Romagnoli and Milan Skriniar and adds maturity and leadership. Reportedly courted throughout the summer, he remains firmly in the minds of the Old Trafford faithful. English players are often said to be over-priced and Maguire is arguably one of them. Having enjoyed a fantastic World Cup that saw his value rise tremendously to the tune of about £80 million, he remains a player still very much in Man United's grasp. He is calmness personified and his leadership at the back could really transform Man United's defence into one of the best in the league.

That Maguire is English and has Premier League experience also plays to United's favour as he won't have problems with the language and pace of the English top-flight. Having proven himself on the biggest stage over the summer scoring goals in the process, he is the sort of player clubs with the biggest ambitions should target.

#2 Kalidou Koulibaly

Highly regarded and much-coveted all over Europe, Kalidou Koulibaly is the sort of player that makes all those around him instantly better. The 27-year-old Senegalese has been the rock at the back of a fantastic Napoli side since 2014, a side that was unlucky not to win the league under Maurizio Sarri. Fantastic in the air and with the ball at his feet, the former Metz and Genk man is the kind of player that can walk into any team regardless of their style of play. He is never afraid to go in for a challenge or make an excellent interception or block. His game reading is fantastic and he is at a point in his career where he is reliable having ironed out childish errors.

The young defenders at Old Trafford could learn plenty from this man. Having recently penned a new 5-year deal in Naples, it is reported all suitors would have to fork out up to £90 million for him.

#1 Raphael Varane

No stranger to being linked with United, Raphael Varane is widely regarded as the best defender in the world. Contentious though that may be, the superstar Frenchman's all-round capabilities and speed make him an asset Real Madrid are not keen on selling any time soon. But football is football. One minute they love you, next minute they've seen enough of you. And while that stands, United will dare to dream. It would take stupid money for Madrid to sell though, with fees well in excess of £150 million required to get Madrid chiefs to the table. Though his tackling is not legendary yet, his game reading, interceptions, aerial prowess and magnificent passing would make him a dream partner for many defenders.

Capable of significantly contributing at the other end of the pitch, this is a signing that would no doubt send waves across Europe. But like living on Mars, this transfer still seems like a pipe dream.

Edited by Amar Anand