Manchester United tracking three players amid Raphael Varane exit as defensive rebuild begins

Manchester United could sign two central defenders this summer and World Cup winner Raphael Varane has confirmed he is one of the current crop who will depart at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of June and he is unlikely to be the only senior central defender heading through the exit door this summer.

Jonny Evans is also out of contract and Victor Lindelof could be sold, with the Swede having just one year remaining on his deal at the club. That could leave Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire as the only senior centre-backs available heading into next season.

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But as Ineos step up planning for their first transfer window in charge at United a senior centre-back is considered a priority, with sales set to boost a transfer budget that is constrained by FFP concerns and the absence of Champions League football.

As the MEN has previously reported, United could look to sign two new central defenders in the window having conceded more goals than any season since 1970/71 during this campaign. They have let in 82 in all competitions so far.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer and Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen are among the defenders United have tracked to address their leaky defence.

Branthwaite has earned rave reviews for his displays at Everton this season and is comfortable on either foot. The 21-year-old could be sold with the Toffees struggling to balance the books.

Tapsoba, 25, has been an integral part of the Leverkusen side that have swept all before them this season. The Burkina Faso international has played in a back three for Xabi Alonso's side, who are 50 games unbeaten in all competitions and could complete a remarkable Treble by the end of the month.

Bremer has been a regular for Juventus this season and is under contract until 2028, with Juve set to return to the Champions League next season. A release clause in the 27-year-old's contract only becomes active next summer.