Manchester United in talks with 'the next William Saliba' over £60m move, in huge statement of intent: report

By published

Manchester United look like upgrading their weak defensive options with a monster centre-back signing compared to Arsenal titan William Saliba

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between F.C. Copenhagen and Manchester United at Parken Stadium on November 08, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
(Image credit: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester United are looking to bring in France's next superstar centre-back this month, as Erik ten Hag rebuilds his tired squad.

The Red Devils have been decimated by injury this season, with the backline feeling the effects more than most. Lisandro Martinez has been absent practically all season, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof have suffered with setbacks and Harry Maguire has been left to partner Jonny Evans this season.

With even Maguire missing now, however, United are entering the transfer market and could be seriously looking at defensive cover. 

Harry Maguire applauds the Manchester United fans after victory at Sheffield United in October 2023.

Manchester United have had defensive injuries this season (Image credit: Getty Images)

Citing reports in France from Le10Sport, TEAMtalk says that "talks have opened" over bringing Lille defender Leny Yoro to Old Trafford.

The teenager has been likened to Arsenal star William Saliba for his commanding presence in Les Dogues' backline and new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to want to use his Ligue 1 connections to get a deal done for around £60m. 

There are conflicting reports from Le10Sport, however. One claim from the outlet says that a January window without any signings is possible, with INEOS wanting to refrain from serious investment this month.

Leny Yoro

Leny Yoro is being linked with Europe's biggest sides (Image credit: Getty Images)

The centre-back was named among FFT's 50 most exciting teenagers to watch this season and has drawn attention from Liverpool, too.

Yoro is valued at €25m, according to Transfermarkt. 

More Manchester United stories

Ex-Manchester United star Jesse Lingard linked with SHOCK Barcelona transfer

FourFourTwo's transfer wrap-up: Chelsea have player-plus-cash bid rejected, with Jadon Sancho's future now clear

Manchester United report: Erik ten Hag wants players gone next month

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.