Premier League
Manchester United Eyes Three Key Centre Backs
Manchester United is currently working on three center-back deals at the time.
Bayern Munich defender, Matthijs de Ligt remains a strong option, and the 24-year-old is keen to join, with talks having been positive talks with the Bundesliga side.
De Ligt and Man Utd boss, Erik ten Hag were successful at Ajax, winning the Eredivisie in 2019.
Currently, United are considering making another attempt to sign Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite after their initial two bids were turned down.
Everton turned down the latest offer thought to be in the region of £45m plus £5m in add-ons.
And in a third potential transfer, United are not ready to give up on Lille defender, Leny Yoro despite his preference being a move to Real Madrid.
Lille would rather see Yoro join Old Trafford, as Manchester United has matched the £42m (€50m) asking price, unlike Real Madrid who has not matched the offer yet.
Yoro progressed through Lille’s youth system and made his senior debut in May 2022.
During the last season, he featured in 44 matches as Lille secured a fourth-place finish in Ligue1.
United would like to sign at least one of De Ligt, Branthwaite, and Yoro, although adding more than one of them will depend on departures.
Having transferred from Juventus, De Ligt has spent the previous two seasons at Bayern Munich, participating in 73 matches and scoring five goals.
Branthwaite featured in 35 Premier League matches for Everton last season but was left out of England’s Euro 2024 preliminary squad.
Manchester United Contracts
United want to replace Raphael Varane after he left the club following the expiration of his contract.
Victor Lindelof’s future could be key. The defender has entered the final year of his contract and there are currently no talks planned over a new deal.
Negotiations are ongoing with Jonny Evans and his representatives regarding a new one-year contract.
Additionally, there is significant interest in midfielder Casemiro from clubs in Saudi Arabia
Contacts through intermediaries have been made to explore the conditions of a deal, but United has yet to receive a formal offer.
The outcome of Casemiro’s situation might influence Manchester United’s decision to pursue options in that position, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte being considered among several possibilities.
