Man Utd Transfers - 5 Centre-Back Alternatives To Mats Hummels

5. Raphael Varane

Manchester United have a long-standing interest in Raphael Varane and could be set to reignite it this summer following the centre-back's fall from grace at Real Madrid. Varane first came to United's attention in 2011, when the defender was 18 and playing for Lens. However, a deal failed to come to fruition and the centre-half instead ended up at the Bernabeu. While at Madrid, Varane enjoyed an excellent season under Jose Mourinho during the 2012-13 season, breaking into the Spanish club's starting XI and displacing Pepe. However, following Mourinho's return to Chelsea and appointment of Carlo Ancelotti at Real, the Frenchman has lost his place at the back to Pepe and made only 14 La Liga appearances last season, starting just 11 of those. And if there's any chance that United can lure Varane to Old Trafford next season with the promise of more frequent playing time, Louis van Gaal should take it.