Man United target Raphael Varane replacement with dream FFP transfer as swap deal proposed

The Manchester United rumour mill is well underway and the number of players linked with a move to Old Trafford is increasing each day.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to oversee a hectic first summer at the club after United finished eighth in the Premier League. Should they lose in the FA Cup final on Saturday, then the club will be without any European football for next season.

Despite the uncertainty over Erik ten Hag's future, United are expected to start their summer transfer business sooner rather than later. The budget is expected to be tight for incomings meaning there's a reliance on player sales.

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Here, MEN Sport takes a look at the latest United transfer news and offers a different perspective.

Varane replacement boost

United have reportedly entered the race for Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo.

Ten Hag's team has been desperate for new blood in defence for some time now following the number of injury concerns in the position. Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane have all missed large portions of the campaign.

United may struggle to land their preferred targets once the summer transfer window opens due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns. Reports have claimed that around £100m will be available for new transfers with player sales vital.

According to BBC Sport, Adarabioyo is on their radar ahead of the expiry of his contract at Craven Cottage. The 26-year-old will become a free agent on June 30 and his services are highly contested with Newcastle interested.

MEN Sport says: "This is the sort of deal that Man United should be looking at completing this summer. Amid the uncertainty over Ten Hag's future at the club, signing a player with no transfer fee just makes sense.

"Given the tight budget at Old Trafford, strengthening a priority position with Premier League experience holds particular appeal. Adarabioyo has been linked with moves to bigger teams for some time and there's no surprise United have shown interest with Dan Ashworth arriving at the club after the defender was identified as a target by Newcastle.

"It's a financial decision that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has to make but with Varane's departure confirmed already, they may not have a better chance to secure a smart deal like this again."

Fernandes swap deal

Manchester United have 'offered' Bruno Fernandes and one other player to Barcelona to sign Ronald Araujo this summer, according to reports in Spain via Football365.

As mentioned above, United are keen to improve their defence this summer and Araujo is reportedly a 'priority' ahead of the transfer window. The Uruguay international is reportedly 'one of the main candidates' to leave Barca, who themselves are struggling financially.

It's understood that the Spanish giants 'will study' a bid if it's in the region of £76m. Winger Anthony has been earmarked as a potential option to include in the deal.

MEN Sport says: "Now this is the opposite to what I'd expect Man United to be doing this summer. Araujo has been a world-class performer for Barcelona but to lose Fernandes and another player isn't worth it.

"Barcelona may be tempted to offer a cash-offer for the defender but with a valuation of over £75m being touted, it's hard to see any movement in this rumour.

"Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be keen to sign these high profiles in the future but this summer, it's a deal they should stay well away from."