Man Utd plot sensational swoop for ex-Chelsea star

Tom Weber

• Updated: 16 Dec 2023 10:58 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United could target Fikayo Tomori as a Raphael Varane replacement, according to Italian media.

The French World Cup winner has lost his place in Man Utd's side in recent months due to his persistent fitness issues and the improved form of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. This gave rise to persistent transfer speculation, which has now only been further stoked by the revelation that Varane's deal expires in the summer.

When they signed him from Real Madrid, it was thought that the Red Devils had tied the Frenchman down until 2025, but this is not quite the case. His contract only runs until the summer of 2024, but United do have the option to trigger a one-year extension. Whether it will be activated remains to be seen, but they face the threat of losing him for nothing if they don't make a decision in a timely manner.

Even if Varane were to stay, the Red Devils would dip into the market to sign a new centre-back as this position has given Erik ten Hag headaches for some time. Jean-Clair Todibo and Antonio Silva have been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, but now a new name has cropped up.

Tomori to Man Utd?

According to Italian outlet MilanWeb, Man Utd could pounce on AC Milan's willingness to "sacrifice" Fikayo Tomori. It is asserted that the Rossoneri could cash in on the former Chelsea academy graduate to fund their ambitious transfer business.

The Italian side are in the market for a long-term, big-name successor to veteran Olivier Giroud, but a prolific, elite striker won't come cheap. Therefore, it is asserted that a defensive asset like Tomori could be offloaded, while a cheaper one - like Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal - would brought in to replace him.

And this is where Man Utd come into the equation. It is said that the Red Devils are very keen on Tomori and that their "pressing [to sign him] could become increasingly stronger in the near future." The report does acknowledge, however, that Milan have no intention to sell in January. Tomori currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €44 million.