Manchester United continue to chase centre back signings this summer despite pulling off a deal for Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro last week.
Erik ten Hag, just like many Manchester United fans, knew that he simply had to bolster his defensive options this summer.
Lisandro Martinez is undeniably a quality defender, but he has simply missed too many games over the years.
Raphael Varane has gone and question marks surround the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof heading into the new season.
United pulled off quite the deal last week, snapping up Lille sensation Leny Yoro in a £52million deal.
The Frenchman’s arrival has really captured the imagination of United fans but it is important to remember that he is still only 18.
United need other defensive options too and that could be a real focus between now and the end of the transfer window.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Feyenoord chief on David Hancko
United continue to chase Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt but a deal for the Dutchman is proving a little tricky.
Bayern have rejected United’s latest offer, believed to be worth less than £30million, and it’s unclear whether the gap can be bridged.
United do have other targets on the radar though and one of them is Feyenoord’s David Hancko.
Reports earlier in July suggested that United have been considering a move to sign Hancko, but fear he may be too expensive for the role in mind.
The Slovakian is seemingly viewed as a squad player at United; somebody who can play as a left back or left-sided centre back to cover for the injury-prone Martinez and Luke Shaw.
Reports last week suggested that Feyenoord want £29.5million for Hancko, £8.5million more than Atletico Madrid’s highest offer so far.
United may be lurking in the race for Hancko but Feyenoord are now gaining confidence that he will stay put.
As quoted by 1908, Feyenoord technical director Dennis Te Kloese has praised Hancko for ‘fantastic’ performances at Euro 2024.
Te Kloese added that a number of clubs have shown an interest in Hancko, but it would take ‘something very special’ – an offer everybody at the club agrees with – in order to think about a deal.
“He played a fantastic European Championship and of course he has had two very good seasons with us, where he really played a decisive role,” said Te Kloese. “So it would be a bit strange if there was no interest,” said Te Kloese. “A few clubs have come along, but that is not at the level that we think he could leave now. We have talked about that with him and with his management. We actually agreed with the last extension, which was of course only half a year ago, that if something very special came along, then we would think about it. Otherwise not.”
“Then it really has to be that everyone says that you can’t say anything against that with your common sense. But at the moment he is very focused on Feyenoord. He is also very happy here. That agreement is there in that way and I certainly also have the intention that he just stays here,” he added.
De Ligt the priority over Hancko
We can understand interest in Hancko.
The 26-year-old has not only impressed for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie but also at Euro 2024, turning in a strong display against Bukayo Saka, for instance.
A solid defender who can offer major versatility, Hancko can offer the flexibility to ease United’s concerns over Martinez and Shaw.
Yet with De Ligt clearly the top target and United’s first offer coming in at just £29.5million – the same price Feyenoord want for Hancko – it’s hard to see him becoming the priority.
De Ligt wants to reunite with Ten Hag and United are keen to get him in, albeit for the right price.
United are unlikely to value Hancko in a similar bracket to De Ligt and that means the ‘special’ offer Feyenoord are seeking probably won’t arrive from Old Trafford.
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