Man Utd ‘identify instant cut-price Varane replacement as they prepare to hijack Premier League rivals’ transfer’

MANCHESTER UNITED have already identified a replacement for outgoing star Raphael Varane, according to reports.

On Tuesday, Varane announced he would be leaving Old Trafford this summer on the expiration of his current deal.

AP

Raphael Varane is leaving Manchester United at the end of the season[/caption]

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The Red Devils have identified Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo as his replacement, according to reports[/caption]

The Frenchman, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2021, could have stayed in Manchester with the club holding a one-year extension clause in his contract.

But it seems as though his mega £350,000-a-week wages were too much for United to stomach for another campaign.

Execs at the club appear to be acting fast with rumours already spreading about potential replacements for the 31-year-old.

TalkSPORT have reported that Man Utd are looking to hijack Newcastle‘s move for Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo.

The Magpies have been eyeing a move for the 26-year-old who, like Varane, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Man Utd’s new technical director Jason Wilcox is said to be keen on signing Tosin after he helped bring him though the youth ranks during his time at Manchester City.

Tosin has become a big part of Marco Silva‘s side at Craven Cottage where his 20 Premier League appearances this season have helped Fulham sit comfortably above the relegation zone.

The former England Under-19 international was reportedly keen on a move to Newcastle thanks to Eddie Howe‘s influence, but it is yet to be seen if Man Utd’s interest will turn his head.

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The Red Devils are understood to be searching for two central defenders this summer after their back line has been decimated by injuries this term.

United have had over 60 seperate cases of injury or illness this season alone.

Tosin would offer a cut-price option given his free agent status. His wages, too, would likely be far lower than the Frenchman.

Varane‘s exit will certainly be felt at Old Trafford with fans already taking to social media to express their sadness at his departure.

The former Real Madrid star and World Cup winner sat down to say his goodbyes to the United faithful in an emotional video released online.

He said: “I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man Utd to understand what that represents.

“For my kids, it’s home here. It’s going to be a special place for me, for life.”