Manchester United are looking forward to improve their defensive line for the next season. The club finished on 8th position in Premier League in the 2023/24 season. The main problem Erik Ten Hag’s side faced was conceding goals. The Red Devils conceded 58 goals which is one more than the scored in the league. United have made it clear that they will sign atleast two defenders this market. The Red Devils have three targets in sight. One defender is on the verge to join United while the other two are somewhat difficult to sign. Raphael Varane has already left the club and will be soon followed by Victor Lindelof. Lindelof has one year left in his current contract but is very likely to be sold this summer.
United very close to sign Matthijs De Ligt
Matthijs De Ligt is very close to sign as new United player. Dan Ashworth has been very busy in making the deal possible. He is also working on paving the way of Joshua Zirkzee who plays together with De Ligt in the Dutch national team.
Bayern Munich are ready to part ways with De Ligt this summer. In addition, De Ligt has reported to have agreed personal terms with United. De Ligt has already played under Erik Ten Hag when he was at Ajax. The duo were the part of Ajax’s historic run in the 2018/19 champions league. The German giants have demanded around £42 million for De Ligt, which United are ready to pay.
Lille defender not convinced to join Man United
Leny Yoro was another name on United’s list. United were reported to have made a €50 million bid for Yoro which was reported to have been accepted by Lille. However, Yoro is not convinced to join the Red Devils. Along with United, Chelsea, Paris-Saint Germain and Real Madrid are also interested in Yoro.
According to Marca, Yoro prefers a move to Real Madrid and hence has rejected to join Man United. Real Madrid are now in advanced talks with Lille and are prepared to pay €40 million along with add-ons for the 18 year old defender. Despite being only 18 years old, Yoro has already made 60 appearances for Lille’s first team.
United submit another bid for Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has caught eyes of United board and the Red Devils are after him from a long time. However Everton are not interested at all to part ways with their defender. Recent reports suggest that United are not giving up on Everton’s defender and hence have submitted another bid.
Branthwaite had an impressive 2023/24 season with Everton. The 22 year old defender played 41 games for Everton across all competitions, out of which 35 came in Premier League. Branthwaite was solid in defense and even scored 3 goals. The 22 year old defender won 32 tackles along with making 50 interceptions. Branthwaite is very strong when it comes to one on one. He won 184 ground duels and 95 ariel duels throughout the 2023/24 season. Branthwaite’s impressive season earned him a spot in England’s national team in March 2024 where he made his international debut after coming on as a substitute.
Firstly, United submitted an opening bid of £35 million plus add ons. However, the bid was quickly rejected by Everton. Now, United have submitted a new and improved bid of £45 million plus £5 million add-ons. However it is expected that Everton will reject this bid too. Everton want £70 million for the 22 year old defender. However United are hoping that Everton will change their mind in the later stages of transfer window.
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