14 May 2021 16:16:31
Hi Ed or Eds, do you have any knowledge of whether Varane has made any decisions regarding his future at Real Madrid? I know United had an interest if he were to leave, and am just hoping to find out if it is possible he even leaves madrid or if we will be looking at an alternate more likely.

{Ed002's Note - Raphael Varane (CB) If he does not sign a renewal he will be sold in the summer - possibly leaving Real Madrid needing to add three CBs. Manchester United have other targets but could be tempted. Mr Mourinho was looking for a way to sign Varane for Spurs in the summer but he will now be off the list for them. He is also on the list of CB options the Chelsea coach has identified. Manchester United were interested when Mr Mourinho was coach but have preferred options now. The situation regarding the Real Madrid coach departing or not may also influence any decision from the perpective of the player - who may then sign a new deal if he thinks the club are moving in the right direction. The player wants a new challenge and PSG may push for him in their quest for a leading French player to join to keep the fans appeased.}

1.) 14 May 2021
14 May 2021 19:12:41
Thank you very much Ed.

2.) 15 May 2021
15 May 2021 09:26:15
If Chelsea get Varane with their already very strong squad. We would really have to go some to stay ahead of them next season.

With the rest of the squad showing how reliant we have been on Maguire with their performance against Liverpool, I was hoping we would add an established name to our defence. Verane would have been perfect.

3.) 15 May 2021
15 May 2021 14:24:12
Seems like Pau Torres might be the first choice per Ed. I think he’s a fantastic player. Left footed, fast, and a brilliant cover CB. One of the best on ball defenders in Europe. Lot of potential there. I’d prefer if we went for that.

4.) 15 May 2021
15 May 2021 19:28:55
There's a lot to like about Pau Torres, my concern though would be he is a little lightweight. He can be beaten in the air a little too easily and I have seen him bullied off the ball a few times as well.

Considering that on those occasions it was in La Liga, then I think he will need to increase his core strength to succeed in a physical league like the EPL.

But the talents certainly there, just if we do sign him the fans will need to be patient with him. He might take 6 months to a year to settle and adjust.

5.) 16 May 2021
16 May 2021 09:51:25
Well if that’s true shappy I’ll admit I’ve seen very little of him then he sounds like a like for like of lindelof and if that’s the case we need better.

6.) 16 May 2021
16 May 2021 18:52:46
I disagree that we need better. We don’t need 2 aerially dominant players, what we need is a bit more intelligence. Stylistically Lindelof is a very good fit next to Maguire, but he lacks agility. I think Pau would be less flawed and can play a higher line.