Manchester City defender John Stones has been named ‘better’ than Manchester United target Raphael Varane.
United are edging closer to a deal for Varane, with the Real Madrid star set to cost around £50 million.
The 28-year-old is a four-time Champions League winner with ‘Los Blancos’ and he’s also a World Cup winner with France.
But talkSPORT‘s Jamie O’Hara thinks Stones is better than Varane, who he claims wouldn’t be leaving Madrid if he was that good.
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| Image Credit: PA |
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“I love John Stones, I’ve always liked him. He’s a brilliant football player,” he explained.
“He’s the closest thing we’ve had to Rio Ferdinand, who along with John Terry, was the best centre-half in the Premier League.
“I love watching John Stones, I enjoy watching the way he plays. He’s calm, he’s composed but also a brilliant defender.
“Last season you had Ruben Dias alongside him which turned him into an even better defender because he had someone with him.
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“I think with Varane he’s going to have that with [Harry] Maguire but in my opinion I’d rather have John Stones in my team.
“If Varane’s that good, why is he leaving Real Madrid at 28 years old? Why not give him a new deal? If they thought he was that brilliant they wouldn’t be letting him leave. Manchester City aren’t letting John Stones leave…”
Stones starred for England at Euro 2020 and helped his country reach the final.
Last season saw City win the Premier League and Carabao Cup while reaching the Champions League final.
Varane, meanwhile, went trophyless at Madrid who parted company with manager Zinedine Zidane.
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United have chased Varane for a number of years and he’s ready for a new challenge after a decade in Spain.
The former Lens man is entering the final year of his deal and Madrid have already seen Sergio Ramos join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to add Kieran Trippier to his ranks as well as Varane to revamp United’s defence.
Earlier this month saw the Red Devils finally confirm the signing of winger Jadon Sancho subject to a medical.
United finished 12 points behind City in the league last season.
Who do you think is the better defender, Raphael Varane or John Stones?
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