Manchester United 'identify Giorgio Scalvini as Raphael Varane replacement'

Manchester United have reportedly identified Atalanta BC defender Giorgio Scalvini as a potential replacement for Raphael Varane.

Varane is due to see his contract at Old Trafford expire in June 2024 and the Red Devils have allegedly decided against triggering a 12-month extension clause.

The 30-year-old was a first-team regular under Erik ten Hag last season, but he has since struggled for consistent game time this term, starting just 11 times for Man United across all competitions.

While Lisandro Martinez remains out though injury, Varane has fallen behind Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans in the pecking order, with rumours of a fallout between the Frenchman and Ten Hag alleged to have contributed to his first-team demotion.

Varane has since been brought back into Man United's starting lineup for the last two Premier League matches following injuries to Maguire and Lindelof, but speculation over his future at the club remains rife.

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Man United's No.19 is believed to be keen to remain at Old Trafford and extend his contract, but a departure in either January or next summer seems the most likely outcome at present.

Bayern Munich have been strongly linked with a move for Varane, with a recent report claiming that the German giants are in pole position to lure the Frenchman to the Allianz Arena.

Should Varane ultimately depart Old Trafford, Italian news outlet Tuttosport, via Football Italia, claims that United have identified Atalanta star Scalvini as a possible replacement.

Scalvini has elevated his game to new heights with Atalanta since making his senior debut in October 2021, and he is now regarded as a first-team regular under manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

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At the age of just 20, Scalvini has already made 75 first-team appearances for the Serie A club in all competitions, including 20 outings so far this season, and he has also earned seven international caps for Italy.

The 6ft 4in centre-back was named the 2023 Italian Golden Boy last month, and his exceptional form over the last 12 months in particular is understood to have caught the eye of a number of top European clubs.

Indeed, Man United could face stern competition from Premier League rivals including Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, who are both said to be keeping tabs on the youngster.

Atalanta are under no immediate pressure to cash in on Scalvini, though, as the defender is under contract with the Italian outfit until the summer of 2028.