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Manchester United are reportedly optimistic about signing either Matthijs de Ligt or Jarrad Branthwaite alongside the now-expected arrival of Real Madrid target Leny Yoro. The Red Devils have stunned the football world and the La Liga giants by surging ahead in the race to sign the French defender.
The Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler reports that United are hoping to sign another centre-back with De Ligt or Branthwaite in their sights. They have agreed on personal terms with the former but have yet to agree on a fee with Bayern Munich.
Manchester United failed with two bids for Branthwaite worth as much as £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons. They are still weighing up a third offer for the young Englishman.
The Red Devils will swoop for either De Ligt or Branthwaite if they can raise cash through player sales. Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof could make way to allow INEOS to continue their major overhaul of Erik ten Hag's defense.
Leny Yoro, 18, is traveling to Manchester for a medical ahead of a proposed €62 million (£52 million) deal agreed with LOSC Lille. The Frenchman's priority was Madrid, but he's seemingly headed for Old Trafford, with Los Blancos unwilling to match United's offer.
Ten Hag's defense was a major issue last season, plagued by constant injury issues. Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala have departed, paving the way for Yoro to arrive, and he's regarded as a generational talent.
However, De Ligt, 24, would add experience and leadership qualities, and Ten Hag has previously worked with the Dutchman. He made 30 appearances across competitions last season, helping Bayern keep nine clean sheets.
Branthwaite, 22, would add versatility at the back. The both-footed centre-back is one of England's most exciting defensive prospects. He worked with Manchester United's new assistant manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, at PSV Eindhoven. He appeared 41 times across competitions last season, helping Everton keep 15 clean sheets.
Everton are reportedly surprised by the fee Manchester United have agreed for Leny Yoro
Everton have been adamant that Branthwaite won't be sold unless their £70 million valuation of the English defender is paid. They are using previous deals for the likes of Harry Maguire and Wesley Fofana as benchmarks.
Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst reports that figures at Goodison Park are surprised by the 'steep fee' Manchester United have agreed for Leny Yoro. They point to the France U23 international being three years younger than Branthwaite, is out of contract next year, and has no senior international experience.
However, Leny Yoro is one of Europe's most coveted defenders, with Liverpool and PSG also previously showing interest. At the Santiago Bernabeu, he is viewed as 'the Kylian Mbappe of defenders', which speaks volumes of the teenager's expectations.
