Manchester United could "go all out" to sign a defensive target and appear ready to rival Real Madrid for his signature this summer in a bid to bring him to the Premier League.
Man Utd centre-backs
Erik ten Hag's side may well be in need of a defensive overhaul this summer. Jonny Evans, only drafted in as an emergency option last summer, has become a far too familiar option in the heart of United's backline this season. He is out of contract this summer, while question marks surround all of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane.
Man United's centre-back options
Player
Contract expires
Harry Maguire
2025
Raphael Varane
2024
Jonny Evans
2024
Lisandro Martinez
2027
Victor Lindelof
2025
Willy Kambwala
2025
With that in mind, United may need to spend big in the centre of defence to find cover for Lisandro Martinez, as well as potential replacements for their outgoing players.
Man Utd eye up £60m teenage star
Now it has been reported that Manchester United could rival Real Madrid for teenage star Leny Yoro as they look to bolster their backline ahead of the new season, and are willing to offer as much as £60m to get a deal done this summer.
As per an update from Spain, the Red Devils, and by extension Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are in the race and aren't afraid to "go all out" to secure his signature before the new season, which could involve having to pay his massive €70m (£60m) asking price.
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The 18-year-old defender burst onto the scene for Lille last season and has gone on to nail down his spot for the French side and has started every game when fit, attracting attention from across Europe in the process.
Yoro has been described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as "one of the most talented young centre-backs in world football" with "world-class potential", something that is sure to excite Manchester United fans.
Meanwhile, teammate Remy Cabella has compared the sensation to Arsenal defender William Saliba, who also excelled in France before making the move to England.
"At Marseille, I knew Boubacar Kamara, at Saint-Etienne, William Saliba and Wesley Fofana, and now there's Leny Yoro," Cabella explained. "He has all the qualities and potential to do something huge. He's very humble, and that's another of his strengths."
Real Madrid were thought to be leading the race for Yoro's signature, but recent reports have suggested that Los Blancos are not set to be drawn into a bidding war this summer, with the club already trying to sign Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies.
Yoro's contract expires next summer, meaning that Carlo Ancelotti's side may try to snap him up for free in 12 months should he still be available. United, however, could be trying to ensure that he won't be.
