Top 4 central defenders Manchester United could sign in January

#1 Raphael Varane

France Training And Press Conference

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.