On Thursday, Manchester United had a £35 million bid rejected by Real Madrid for their Spain international defender Sergio Ramos.
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While Louis van Gaal may have been rebuffed with his opening gambit, it would be a surprise if the club did not formulate another offer for the 29-year-old [Daily Mail].
But would that be a good move?
It’s been no secret that the Red Devils are looking to recruit in defensive areas this summer, but is the former Sevilla man the answer to United’s problems?
There are several things that count against Ramos; the defender has had his injury problems this season, while he has also criticised both his teammates and his mangers in the past [Daily Mail].
His disciplinary record is also dubious—he holds the Liga BBVA record for red cards—and his defensive positioning has been criticised [Metro].
He has latterly raised controversy due to his fall out with Real Madrid, and it remains to be seen how much United will have to pay to acquire the defender.
Mats Hummels
United have been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, and while Ramos appears to now be the club’s primary target, they may still make a move for the German—another World Cup winner.
The 25-year-old is something of a complete package at centre-back, boasting physical prowess, intelligent defensive play and composure in possession.
However, having confirmed that he wants to remain at the Westfalenstadion and help BVB’s transition from Jurgen Klopp to Thomas Tuchel, the centre-back may have taken himself off the market [Sky Sports].
Nicolas Otamendi
Should United move for Ramos, Real Madrid are rumoured to be considering Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi to replace him.
Otamendi, of course, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford and, with a fee-release clause of £35.6 million, would be a cheaper option than Ramos [Mirror].
He is also two years younger than his potential predecessor at the Bernabeu.
Raphael Varane
While Ramos could well prove to be a valuable addition to the Red Devils defence, it’s important to remain that the Spain international is playing sloppy seconds to Raphael Varane.
United have already had a bid for Ramos’s Real Madrid teammate rebuffed this summer—a £110 million joint-bid for the Frenchman and Gareth Bale [Telegraph].
Varane is only 22, yet has already won the Liga BBVA title, the Champions League crown, the Copa del Rey, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
He could have been the centrepiece of United’s defence for a decade.
Ron Vlaar
Of course, Ron Vlaar isn’t as talented a defender as Ramos, but there are several things that might make him the best bet of all for van Gaal.
First of all, the two have a relationship and an understanding, having worked together with the Netherlands national side—particularly during their impressive run at the 2014 World Cup.
The centre-back—who is only 30—has three years of Premier League experience under his belt, and having come to the end of his Aston Villa contract, would be available on a free.
Ramos is surely better than Vlaar…but is he £40 million better than the Dutchman?
John Stones
In some ways, Everton defender John Stones might have been a perfect compromise between the various talents listed here.
Like Varane, he is only in his early 20s (21), and could serve United for a decade, while, like Vlaar, he already has experience of playing in the Premier League.
United would surely be able to snare him for much less than the near-£40 million fee that both Valencia and Real Madrid would require for their wantaway defenders.
However, is Stones ready to step up and play for one of England’s giants, and is he the kind of player who could help United prosper in the Champions League?