Rio Ferdinand has made a personal plea to Lille defender Leny Yoro, encouraging him to join Manchester United.
Reports from France suggest the Red Devils have had a £42 million bid for Yoro accepted by the Ligue 1 side.
Although United sources have not commented on these reports, the club is actively pursuing several centre-back targets, including Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
Yoro, however, is reportedly inclined towards a move to Real Madrid, who are currently favourites to sign the 18-year-old defender.
Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are also tracking his progress.
On his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand compared Yoro to Arsenal’s William Saliba, expressing his desire for Yoro to join Erik ten Hag’s side.
“I think Real Madrid are going to take Yoro instead [of William Saliba]. I would love him to come to Man United,” Ferdinand said.
“If you’re looking, Leny Yoro, please accept and come to Man United, please. Man United, please, make the offer and please accept because this kid, I think his ceiling is as high as anybody right now, including Saliba.”
Ferdinand elaborated on Yoro’s abilities, stating, “Physically, he’s not as developed or formidable, but he’s a different kind of central defender. He’s quick, and he tries to nibble to get in front, he can play, he’s long, tall, and mobile.”
While Real Madrid remain favourites to land Yoro, they have yet to match United’s £42 million offer plus add-ons.
United, meanwhile, have wasted no time advancing their transfer plans following a recruitment meeting at Carrington on the first day of pre-season.
Mail Sport has revealed that United have made an improved offer of £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons for Branthwaite, which was rejected by Everton, who value the 22-year-old defender at closer to £70 million.
United are prepared to offer Branthwaite a long-term contract worth £160,000-a-week.
Additionally, United are in discussions with Bayern Munich over a £43 million deal for De Ligt, who has reportedly verbally agreed to personal terms, keen to reunite with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
United could potentially sign two defenders to bolster their defence if they can secure sufficient funds through player sales.
Yoro, who made 41 appearances for Lille last season, remains a highly admired option for United, indicating their intent to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.
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