Manchester United are looking for more summer signings after completing the addition of Netherlands international striker Joshua Zirkzee on Sunday afternoon.
Pre-season is upon us and Manchester United played a first friendly of the summer on Monday.
Unfortunately, that game ended in a 1-0 defeat against Rosenborg, but it’s important to note that this was a very young United side.
Players are still resting from international tournaments and United are working on deals to bolster Erik ten Hag’s options.
A new striker is on board after Joshua Zirkzee completed his move from Bologna to Old Trafford.
That was a great start to the summer business but United certainly need more – and centre backs appear to be the focus.
Zirkzee’s Dutch international teammate Matthijs de Ligt is a key target with the Bayern Munich ace keen on a move to United.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Manchester United push for Leny Yoro
De Ligt isn’t the only centre back target though as United are also chasing Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro.
Reports in France last week suggested that Lille had accepted United’s offer for Yoro, believed to be around £42million.
United have been struggling to make progress on the deal though with Yoro understood to prefer a move to Real Madrid.
Monday evening brought reports claiming that Lille are pushing Yoro to accept a move to United due to the offer being the best on the table.
United are still waiting for Yoro’s answer but there have been encouraging reports emerging on Tuesday.
French reporter Nabil Djellit claims that Yoro is now in talks over a potential salary at United as negotiations begin to move forward.
Djellit adds that Real Madrid are still keen but are ‘behind’ United in the race for the teenager.
That is exciting stuff and Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna has only added to the buzz around a potential deal for Yoro.
Aouna claims that some members of Yoro’s entourage are now in favour of completing a move to United.
Real have not made a new offer and Yoro’s representatives are now minded to go forward with United after discussing a potential contract.
The noises coming from France suggest that some small progress has been made for United, but the lurking shadow of Real will remain a concern.
Rio Ferdinand will be delighted
United fans will certainly be encouraged by these latest reports, but few will be as happy as Rio Ferdinand.
The former United centre back has been urging the club to sign Yoro and was begging him to join just last week.
Ferdinand admitted that he would love to see United sign Yoro, believing that he just has incredible potential for the future.
“I think Real Madrid are going to take Yoro instead (of Arsenal defender William Saliba). Another French boy. They have got an 18-year-old, I would love him to go to Man United. I would love him to go to Man United. If you are looking, Leny Yoro, please accept Man United, please. Man United, please make the offer and please accept,” said Ferdinand.
“This kid, I think his ceiling is as high as anybody right now, Saliba included. Physically he is not as developed and is not going to be as formidable, but he’s a different type of centre-half. He is quick, he tries to nibble and get in front, he can play, long, tall, mobile,” he added.
United are now pushing to make Ferdinand’s dream a reality with the 18-year-old becoming a key target this summer.
Yoro has already shown incredible ability for his age over in France and it is no surprise to see the likes of Real Madrid interested.
This is the kind of signing United fans want to see, but one which we rarely see actually come off.
The latest reports suggest there is a real chance of a deal with Yoro’s team seemingly becoming more and more convinced by the idea.
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