Man City look to Varane to strengthen their defence
Published:Manchester City are targeting both Raphael Varane and Ezequiel Garay as they look for alternatives to the injury plagued Kompany.
Pellegrini is worried about the number of injury problems that his captain has suffered this season and believes he requires another centre back in order to challenge for honours this season.
Defensive failings have seen City already suffer four league defeats, something which must be rectified if they are to challenge for the title. There is no doubt that City suffer when the Belgian is out and so have identified the two centre backs to help solve this problem.
Benfica defender Garay appears to be the easier option to secure and at 27 years of age has plenty of experience. This includes experience at Champions League level, a quality few of City’s other centre backs have. Pellegrini also holds the Argentine in high regard having worked with him at Real Madrid.
The other option also plays for Real Madrid. Varane is widely recognised as one of Europe’s finest central defenders and at 20 years old will only improve.
However he has developed into an important part of the Real Madrid team having played 33 matches last season. City could struggle to convince Real into selling their young star, however City believe that a cash up front offer of £25million could tempt the Spanish giants.
City are not expected to stop with the signing of a defender. With Joe Hart’s recent problems well documented, City are also looking to sign another goalkeeper.
They have also been linked with Varane’s teammate Iker Casillas as well as Malaga’s Willy Caballero. Hart would be expected to stay and fight for his position, as this signing could provide the competition needed to get the best out of England’s number one.
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