Rio Ferdinand has pleaded with Manchester United to sign Leny Yoro and believes the Lille defender has the same potential as Arsenal’s William Saliba.
United are looking to sign at least one new central defender before the start of the new Premier League season and Yoro is on their shortlist alongside Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt.
Everton have rejected two bids from United for Branthwaite, the latest of which was £45 million plus a further £5m in add-ons.
United are yet to agree a fee with Bayern Munich for De Ligt, however, it’s understood that the Netherlands international has spoken to Erik ten Hag and is open to a move to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, reports in France on Tuesday claimed that United have seen their €50m (£42.2m) bid for Yoro accepted by Lille.
However, it’s understood that Yoro is holding out for a move to Real Madrid, who are yet to submit an offer to Lille which is close to matching United’s bid.
Ferdinand, meanwhile, believes Yoro is destined to join Madrid and feels the Lille defender has the same ‘potential ‘ceiling’ as Saliba.
‘I think Real Madrid are going to take Yoro instead [of William Saliba]. The 18-year-old, I would love him to come to Man United,’ Ferdinand said on Vibe With Five.
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, Saliba included.’
Asked about comparisons to Saliba, Ferdinand said: ‘Physically, he’s not as developed or going to be as formidable, but he’s a different kind of centre-half.
‘He’s quick, he tries to nibble to get in front, he can play, he’s long, tall, and mobile.’
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