Manchester United are on the verge of signing a new defender in Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro – and may still have a chance to land another target on the radar.
This is proving to be a very productive week for Manchester United.
Joshua Zirkzee became the first signing of the summer on Sunday, completing his move from Serie A side Bologna.
The Dutchman is now set to be joined by Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro.
The French centre back has already signed a contract and completed his medical with United, according to reports.
Yoro marks a major addition for United having emerged as one of the top young centre backs in Europe over the past year.
The 18-year-old will hopefully play a key role for United for years to come, but the defensive recruitment may not end there.
Manchester United still have David Hancko chance
Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt is still a target for United and wants to join the club this summer.
That may hinge on some players leaving Old Trafford though and cheaper alternatives may need to be on the radar.
Reports earlier in July suggested that United have been considering a move to sign Feyenoord defender David Hancko this summer.
It was suggested that Hancko may be viewed as too expensive for a squad role at Old Trafford.
Atletico Madrid have been chasing a deal to sign Hancko but their move is stalling – potentially allowing United to sneak in.
Feyenoord-based site 1908 report that Atletico do still want Hancko despite having a €25million (£21million) bid rejected.
It’s stated that Hancko would be interested in a move to Spain but Feyenoord are demanding €35million (£29.5million).
Atletico are yet to come back with a bid and whilst the two clubs are still in contact, there is a decent gap to be bridged.
United may well feel that nearly £30million is too much for Hancko, but we think there is scope for him to arrive alongside Yoro…
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Hancko can tick boxes for United
Hancko was superb at Euro 2024, impressing in a left back role for Slovakia – especially up against Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.
The 26-year-old is a centre back by trade though and his natural left-footed ability should be of real interest to United.
Yoro is a top talent and he has operated on the left side of a Lille centre back pairing, but he isn’t a naturally left-footed player to offer cover for the injury-prone Lisandro Martinez.
Jarrad Branthwaite can fill that hole but will cost around twice the price of Hancko, which may be beyond United after landing Yoro.
Tyrell Malacia’s injury woes mean United also lack depth at left back behind Luke Shaw – another player who has had injury problems.
Hancko’s ability to serve a dual role in terms of covering for Martinez and Shaw should be very appealing, even at around £30million.
Atletico being unable to strike a deal will not have gone unnoticed inside Old Trafford and Hancko should be a name to keep tabs on in the coming weeks as United chase more defensive signings.
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