Alan Varela breaks silence amid Manchester United links

Manchester United are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer as they prepare for a new season under Michael Carrick, with midfield changes high on the agenda.

The club are reshaping that area of the pitch following Casemiro’s departure, while Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future has already been secured with a contract extension running until 2031.

Ederson is closing in on a move from Atalanta, but United are also exploring several alternatives, including Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba and Aurelien Tchouameni as they look to strengthen further.

One name now on the club’s radar is Porto midfielder Alan Varela, who is expected to attract major interest across Europe this summer.

The 24-year-old has developed into a key figure since joining Porto from Argentina three years ago for around £9.5 million, and his performances have put him on the radar of both Manchester United and Liverpool.

Varela’s situation has also been influenced by international disappointment, having missed out on Argentina’s final World Cup squad after initially being named in a preliminary group.

Despite the setback, the midfielder has attempted to play down speculation over his future.

Alan Varela comments on links to Manchester United

“I’m calm and 100% focused here in Porto,” he told Argentine outlet La Nacion.

“My agent obviously handles all those matters, and I’m not thinking about that right now … honestly, I’m not thinking about that at the moment.”

Porto are in a strong negotiating position, with Alan Varela tied down to a long-term contract that reportedly includes a €75 million (£65m) release clause.

He was included in Lionel Scaloni’s wider 55-man preliminary squad but ultimately missed the final cut for the tournament.

That could now open the door for clubs to step up their pursuit, with the absence of international duty leaving his summer schedule clear.

Although not known for his goal output, Varela has still contributed 2 goals in 45 appearances this season and has 4 goals in 136 games overall for Porto.

For United, the appeal lies less in numbers and more in profile.