Manchester United have moved decisively to address a glaring weakness that held them back last season.
The signing of France international centre back Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, at a cost of £34million potentially rising to £42m, is a major piece of business.
Central defence was the area that cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side too often in a 2020-21 campaign that once again saw them finish trophyless.
Raphael Varane, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, is set to join Manchester United
The defender could cost United up to £42million with add-ons as he joins from Real Madrid
While captain Harry Maguire played himself out of disastrous early season form to enjoy a very good year, question marks remained over his usual central defensive partner Victor Lindelof and United's other options in that position.
Varane, a four-time Champions League winner and World Cup champion in 2018, brings the winning pedigree that United will hope propels them to long overdue success.
It's pretty much certain he will line up alongside Maguire in United's defence and the pair should complement each other well.
But his imminent arrival at Old Trafford will naturally have a knock-on effect for United's other centre backs. We take a closer look at their prospects ahead of the new season.
Varane's arrival means a new central defensive partner for United captain Harry Maguire
Victor Lindelof
Undoubtedly the player most impacted by Varane's arrival and the one with the most to lose.
The Sweden international started alongside Maguire in 27 Premier League matches last season and he featured in 45 games in total across all competitions.
It isn't good news for Victor Lindelof, who was a first choice in the heart of United's defence
Maguire and Lindelof did show some steady signs of improvement as they played more games together but question marks remained over the Swede's aerial ability, calmness on the ball and susceptibility to pace and physicality.
They weren't exactly the fastest pair, something exploited by quite a few opponents, and Maguire's command in dealing with crosses and high balls masked Lindelof's weakness. But on their day, they did form an impressive partnership.
Lindelof is a £31m player, signed by Jose Mourinho from Benfica in 2017, and he has established himself as a first choice. Solskjaer has always favoured him over Eric Bailly.
But the brutal reality is he will be spending a lot more time warming the bench provided that Maguire and Varane form a solid enough partnership when the season begins.
In certain games, Solskjaer may opt for three central defenders and that will allow Lindelof a chance to start alongside Maguire and Varane. There will also be plenty of cup games.
Maguire and Lindelof looked vulnerable at times last season but could also be rock solid
You have to imagine, however, that in the Premier League and Champions League, it will be the skipper and the new arrival, not Lindelof.
He gave a reminder of his abilities with a man-of-the-match performance for Sweden against Spain at Euro 2020 last month but it could be a frustrating few months ahead.
Eric Bailly
It was back in April, off the back of a frustrating, injury-plagued season, that Bailly signed a new contract through until 2024.
He might have known United would move for a new centre half in the summer and the result leaves him demoted from third choice to fourth.
Bailly started 10 Premier League, five Europa League and a handful of other cup games during a season in which he struggled with fitness issues and competition for places.
