Manchester United will switch their focus to strengthening a key part of their midfield after Leny Yoro’s deal was completed, with Manuel Ugarte the next priority signing.
United announced their second major signing of the Ineos era on Thursday night as Lille’s 18-year-old defender Yoro joins on a five-year deal – a transfer that is seen as a real coup after Real Madrid and Liverpool expressed an interest.
“Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football,” new sporting director Dan Ashworth said.
“He possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back.
“Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone across the club is aiming for.”
Supporters have been buoyed by how quickly new co-owners Ineos are moving in this transfer window, after years of missing out on several top targets. There are hopes that Ineos’ squad revamp could even be complete before United fly out to the United States for their pre-season tour.
Next up is a defensive midfielder, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Ugarte immediately identified as a top target. It is understood that Ineos have prioritised the position in order to get the most out of Kobbie Mainoo, whose abilities could be restricted if he is asked to play an anchor role.
Uruguay international Ugarte only joined PSG last year, but the French champions are overloaded with talent in midfield, with Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Portugal’s standout star from Euro 2024, and two others who excelled in Germany this summer, Fabian Ruiz and Xavi Simons, to fit into the side.
PSG need to raise funds for the purchase of Victor Osimhen – Kylian Mbappe’s strike successor – from Napoli, a move expected to cost more than £80m. i has been told there is interest from clubs across Europe, including the Premier League, in Simons, Ugarte, Lee Kang-in and striker Randal Kolo Muani, giving them some flexibility in terms of who they sell.
Sources in France claim United have already bid for Ugarte but the offer was well below PSG’s asking price. It is understood that only offers north of £50m, which is what PSG paid Sporting Lisbon for the 23-year-old, will be entertained. Liverpool are also reportedly monitoring the situation.
Signing another defender is also a priority for Ineos, even after Yoro’s deal is completed. i understands Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt is the top pick, with the Netherlands international very keen on the switch and willing to put pen to paper on a deal to make his Premier League aspirations a reality.
The issue, i has been told, remains over the fee. United sources believe De Ligt could be available for £35m, with Bayern also overloaded in that particular position, but the Bundesliga giants are looking for a fee closer to the £45m mark. There is confidence on both sides that a deal can be agreed.
To fund both De Ligt and Ugarte moves, United will need to sell. Mason Greenwood is on the verge of completing his switch to Marseille, subject to a medical and personal terms being agreed on a deal worth around £25m plus future add ons.
Casemiro is another Ineos are looking to move on, but interest so far has only come from Saudi Arabia. Scott McTominay could also leave this summer with Fulham reportedly already having seen a bid rejected for the Scotland international. United rejected a £30m offer from West Ham last summer and are expected to demand above that figure if they are to part ways this time around.
Aaron-Wan Bissaka is another player who could provide a much-needed boost to United’s transfer war chest. West Ham have targeted the former Crystal Palace full-back and are understood to be preparing a bid of around £15m.