Forget Ramos and Otamendi here are 5 alternatives for Manchester United

With Ramos having signed a new 5-year deal which will see him play for 'los blancos' until 2015, and Otamendi somewhat annoyingly signing for their local rivals, defensive questions still need to be solved.

United fans are probably crying in a corner somewhere but all is not lost, here are just five alternatives that could heal the wounds:

Aymeric Laporte, Athletic Bilbao - £36.5m

At the tender age of just 21 he is years off his best, but he is already showing the potential to become one of the greatest centre backs the world has ever seen. He has a slender frame but is suprisingly strong and incredibly dynamic with the ball - an atribute Van Gaal loves.

What makes him stand out however, is his ability to read the game, which is why he's been compared to former United centre-back Laurent Blanc.

John Stones, Everton - £30m+

Everton has surprisingly stood strong on their ability to hold off a sustained attack from Chelsea to sign the English international. Again at the age of 21 Stones has the potential to shine, he already has a few seasons behind him playing in the Premier League and would fit into any team. He has become one of the most exciting English defenders since Rio Ferdinand.

Neven Subotic, Borussia Dortmund - £20m

One of Dortmund's strongest performers both in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, the Serbian footballer is reaching his prime. Playing in similar fashion to John Stones, the capture of this defensive player would be most welcomed by United's fans.

Ezequiel Garay, Zenit St Petersburg - £20m+

Not too long ago British newspapers were heavily linking United with Argentine defender. He spent nearly three years at Benfica on the verge of an Old Trafford move, however it never happened.

He moved onto Zenit however with renewed defensive problems for United, they cuould just turn to this man for help. He has become the spine of Zenit's defensive shape and controls play from the back

Kostas Manolas, AS Roma - £15m

Roma's defense conceded only 31 goals last season which was many down to the strong performances of this Greek defender. He is the nephew of Greek football legend Stelios Manolas, and at the age of 24 he would be another great signing for United.