(Football news) The Netherlands international is anticipated to make an announcement soon about joining Manchester United, and negotiations regarding a move for De Ligt are thought to be at an advanced level. At Ajax, De Ligt worked under Erik ten Hag. It appears that the 24-year-old will be rejoining the Red Devils manager, but he is not the only center-back the team is interested in.
The 20-time English champions are getting ready to make changes to their defense this summer, and according to Sky Sports News, Manchester United is working on deals for De Ligt, Branthwaite, and Yoro at the same time. After two bids for the Englishman were rejected by Everton, the report states that the club is currently debating whether to submit another bid for Branthwaite.
De Ligt, Branthwaite, Yoro could all move to Old Trafford
Manchester United’s latest offer for Branthwaite is believed to have been in the region of £45m, plus £5m in add-ons, but Everton are believed to value the defender between £70m and £80m.
The Red Devils are also keen on Yoro and allegedly had an offer for the 18-year-old accepted by Lille earlier this week.
However, a deal for the Frenchman is far from straightforward due to the presence of Real Madrid, and Yoro is believed to be determined to make the switch to Bernabeu.
Man United are allegedly waiting to hear whether Yoro is prepared to join them, but Lille are thought to be pushing for the youngster to move to Old Trafford in a deal worth around €50m (£42m).
Real Madrid’s preference is thought to be to wait until next summer to potentially sign the teenager on a free transfer, and it is unclear whether the Spanish outfit will meet Lille’s asking price this summer.
How would it be possible for all three to arrive?
Raphael Varane’s departure has created space in the squad, while Jonny Evans is also currently a free agent, with his contract expiring at the end of June.
The club remain in talks with Evans over a fresh one-year contract, but both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are being heavily linked with exits.
If it becomes a serious possibility for Manchester United to bring in all three of their centre-back targets, then it is very likely that Maguire and Lindelof will move on.
In that scenario, Lisandro Martinez would be joined by Yoro, Branthwaite and De Ligt in terms of centre-back options next season, with Evans and Willy Kambwala providing support.
However, at the moment, De Ligt’s transfer is the only one seemingly close, and the Red Devils could soon confirm his signing, in addition to the acquisition of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
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