Manchester United are waiting on Leny Yoro's decision after a bid was accepted by Lille (Image: Getty)
Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a move for Leny Yoro over finalising a transfer for Matthijs de Ligt. The Red Devils are currently waiting on a decision from teenage defender Yoro after Lille accepted a £42million bid.
United are trying to add depth to Erik ten Hag’s defensive ranks after sealing a move for attacker Joshua Zirkzee last week. Yoro and De Ligt are both of interest to the Old Trafford outfit.
According to The Athletic, United will sign only one of the defenders at this stage of the transfer window. Given that United could complete a rather simple transaction for De Ligt, it is claimed that the priority appears to be a move for Yoro.
The 18-year-old has reportedly been offered a five-year contract by United, with the option of an additional 12 months. However, it has been widely reported that his preference would be a switch to Real Madrid.
Yoro is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming days. Should he opt against a transfer to the Premier League, United may reprise their efforts to sign De Ligt from Bayern Munich.
Ten Hag needs at least one more centre-back having suffered from a brutal injury crisis last season. The Dutchman was rarely able to call upon a fully fit set of senior defenders as his team staggered to an eighth-place finish.
Raphael Varane’s departure means there is a vacancy in the heart of the defence. It could be filled by one of Yoro, De Ligt or fellow target Jarrad Branthwaite, for whom United are yet to meet Everton’s valuation.
Man Utd were chasing a deal for Matthijs de Ligt before bidding for Leny Yoro (Image: Getty)
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United began their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Rosenborg on Monday. Despite the Norwegian outfit being midway through their league campaign and therefore a much fitter side, Ten Hag was furious with his team’s performance.
"The result is not secondary," he told MUTV. "We play pre-season, but it's the standard at Manchester United to win games. Definitely don't lose them. The performance is important but it was below our standards."
Goalkeeper Radek Vitek, 20, made some superb saves during the game but Ten Hag bluntly concluded: "Let's say he had the opportunity to shine thanks to the team's performance, which was not good enough.”