Manchester United are reportedly desperate to win the race to sign Lille defender Leny Yoro this summer with Liverpool among a four-strong group of rivals competing for his signature and Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeing him as his ideal replacement for a fading star.
The Red Devils are putting together an unbelievable team behind the scenes as British billionaire Ratcliffe looks to restore Manchester United back among the English and European elite. So far he has brought in Omar Berrada as CEO, arriving from Manchester City, while plans are in place to also appoint much-respected Frenchman Jean-Claude Blanc as a club director.

The biggest coup of all though will see Dan Ashworth arrive from Newcastle in a deal set to put the Red Devils back a record-breaking amount.
Arriving as the club’s first-ever sporting director, Ashworth’s brief will be to identify and sign the globe’s top stars and help facilitate a buck a trend that has seen the club waste millions in the transfer market over the years.
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With that in mind, Ratcliffe and Ashworth are set to embark on a hefty rebuilding of United’s squad this summer, with at least four new signings to be targeted and with some brutal decisions being made over some of their current costly and underperforming stars.
Targeting the spine of the side, Ratcliffe will task his appointment with the capture of a new centre-half, midfielder and striker, while a new right-winger is also seen as desireable given the uncertainty around Jadon Sancho, Facundo Pellistri and Antony.


By widespread accounts, however, objective numero uno will be to sign a new central defender.

Ratcliffe sets sights on Man Utd deal for Leny Yoro

To that end, Ashworth is understood to have recommended four names to Ratcliffe with Lille’s Yoro, Gleison Bremer of Juventus, Atalanta’s Giogio Scalvini and Antonio Silva of Benfica the men being considered.
The final say on the matter will be left with Ashworth in discussions with United’s management team, though reports in Spain claim they are now ready to make Yoro their primary target amid a belief Lille are most likely to sell and for an affordable price.
The 18-year-old is already one of Ligue 1’s best defenders despite his tender years, and having made himself a cornerstone of the Les Dogues’ defence this season.
He has appeared 32 times in all competitions, with his form attracting the attention of several big-hitting sides all eager to poach him from their grasp.

IN DEPTH: Five Ligue 1 stars Ratcliffe could bring to Man Utd to kickstart new era: Tottenham striker target, Liverpool linked duo…
Now according to that report, Lille have set a minimum €60m (£51m) price for Yoro as they prepare for an influx of offers this summer.
That hunt is likely to be led by Real Madrid and PSG, though the former’s likely signing of Kylian Mbappe from the latter will dampen their chances of signing any other big names this summer.
He’s also being tracked by Liverpool as they look to the future and consider life after talismanic captain Virgil van Dijk.
However, it’s now reported that United are desperate to try and beat the trio to his signature and feel Yoro has the ideal credentials to become a big success at Old Trafford.

€60m Man Utd arrival will mean farewell to Raphael Varane

With an average of 57 passes per game, hitting a 92% accuracy with those, Yoro is also managing three clearances and 4.2 recoveries per outing, while winning 67% of his duels.
With United set to make a beeline for his services, it’s reported an enquiry for his services could be made ahead of the summer window and in an effort to beat their rival suitors to his signature.

His arrival will likely be financed too by the departure of big-name defender Raphael Varane.
The World Cup winner cost United £41m when arriving from Real Madrid in summer 2021 but has not quite matched those standards playing for the Red Devils as he did for the Spanish giants.
Indeed, behind the scenes Ratcliffe is thought to have been critical of his signing, feeling the money invested in him – together with his reported £340,000 a week wages – typify United’s poor judgement in the transfer market over the years.
As a result, it’s reported Ratcliffe wants to move the 30-year-old on while he can, with his current deal due to expire in summer 2025.
United will take around a £20m hit on their original investment, with the defender linked with moves to both Saudi Arabia, Bayern Munich and even a return to Real Madrid.
In Yoro, United will believe they are landing on a brilliant replacement who can serve the club with distinction for many years to come.
READ MORE ~ Leny Yoro in profile: Who is the classy French teen that several big clubs are falling over to sign?

Man City dressing room chat about Liverpool showed they know Harvey Elliott is right

Harvey Elliott shared a simple message ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League title showdown against Manchester City.
Speaking to LFCTV after beating Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday night, the youngster was asked for his thoughts on Sunday’s huge game. "Unbelievable team,” he replied. “But we are Liverpool. They are coming to our home, Anfield.”

Everyone at Liverpool knows how special Anfield can be. It’s been a factor in huge games time and time again.
And even Manchester City players know that Elliott has a point. That is illustrated by a dressing room conversation defender Manuel Akanji had with his teammates on his first visit to the iconic stadium, later recounted to Sportsmail.
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“It’s funny that you ask because before the game, when we walked into the stadium for our warm-up, it was so quiet. No booing or anything,” he said.
“I told Erling [Haaland] I thought it was weird. I expected it would be really crowded and the mood against us. But I felt nothing at all.
“We came back in before the game and I talked to Riyad Mahrez as well. He was sitting right next to me. I was like, 'Is it always like this here? Everybody talks so highly of Anfield and I don’t really see it’.
Related video: Guardiola refuses to be drawn by Trent comments as excited by City's trip to leaders Liverpool (Dailymotion)

"He just told me to wait until the game started and then when it did I was like a different atmosphere completely. Particularly in the second half when our goal was disallowed and they scored. It was really, really loud then.”
Manchester City has struggled to cope with the intense Anfield atmosphere on previous visits. They’ve won just once at the stadium under Pep Guardiola, and that came without fans during the coronavirus pandemic.
This Sunday will be another huge challenge for them as Jürgen Klopp aims to take his side further clear of the reigning champions at the top of the Premier League table. Klopp was also asked about the ‘Anfield factor’ ahead of the game and said: “Yeah, I don’t have to tell that… yeah, Anfield has from time to time a real impact on our game! Yeah, come on.
“The atmosphere in the stadium, the atmosphere our people can create… am I allowed to say it is second to none or is then anybody offended by that? It is really good and energising. Massive


“These are the games you want to play, these are the games you want to get the ticket in the stadium, these are the games you want to watch. This is a very special game. And yes, Anfield for us is a massive, massive factor. It would be a bit embarrassing today if I would say, ‘Please help us.’ People will.”
While Akanji won’t be surprised by what he encounters this time around, his anecdote from his first Anfield visit shows City know full well the impact Liverpool’s fans can have on the game. Elliott issued them with a timely reminder - not that they needed it.

Tottenham outcast tipped to secure bargain Leeds Utd move after brutal Ange Postecoglou call

Leeds United are growing in confidence they will win the race to sign Joe Rodon on a permanent deal from Tottenham this summer after the Welshman was advised there is no way back for him under Ange Postecoglou in north London.
The 26-year-old centre-half moved to Tottenham in October 2020 after then-boss Jose Mourinho saw something in him and paid Swansea £11m for his services. However, chances have been few and far between with the Wales international appearing in only 24 games while in north London and just eight as a starter in the Premier League.

As a result, it was no surprise when Rodon was allowed to leave Spurs last summer, with Leeds swooping in to secure the 37-times capped international on a season-long loan.
That deal did not contain any option to make the move permanent, but the move to West Yorkshire has paid enormous dividends for both Rodon and Leeds, with the defender becoming an unmovable object in their side.
So far for the Whites, Rodon has racked up 34 league appearances, clocking up 2914 minutes, which is comfortably the most regular football he has ever played in a single season of his career.
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As a result, Leeds boss Daniel Farke has spoken in great length about his hopes of signing Rodon on a permanent deal, while the player himself has also spoken about his satisfaction about life at Elland Road, where he is joined by compatriots Dan James, Connor Roberts and Ethan Ampadu.
Related video: Spurs can't sign a £100 Million player - Postecoglou (Dailymotion)

“Just playing of course is what everyone wants but I think all of us together,” he said. “I think it would be a really nice kind of journey if we did get there [the Premier League]. With the journeys we’ve all been on, now it’s all led us to this moment.”

Postecoglou reaches brutal Joe Rodon future decision

Rodon added: “I just think it would be great for the collective as well, all of us to be playing together in the Premier League.”
Forming a solid defensive partnership with, at first Pascal Struijk and, most recently, Ampadu, Leeds have won an impressive 11 of 12 Championship games over the course of the calendar year to rigorously thrust themselves right into the heart of the promotion mix.
Leeds have conceded just three goals in that time, meaning that in 2024, they are shipping just an average of one goal every 360 minutes so far this year.
It’s been previously reported that Leeds would need to secure promotion to guarantee themselves that chance of signing Rodon on a permanent basis, with the player now the subject of other firm interest in the top flight off the back of his brilliant form in the Championship.


Furthermore, there has been suggestions that Rodon could be given a further chance to impress at Spurs next season, with Postecoglou seeing his central defensive options limited at times this season.
However, Rodon has now been told there is no way back for him at Spurs with Postecoglou seemingly coming to the brutal conclusion that the Swansea-born star will not play for the north London giants again.

Leeds given real belief of permanent deal

Furthermore, amid claims Spurs will set a £15m fee on his head, TEAMtalk understands Leeds are being backed to push through the deal and win the race for his signature regardless of what division they find themselves in next season, with the player happy to stay and loving life under Farke.

Discussing his time at Spurs and why it is all over for him in north London, former defender Alan Hutton has advised the defender that staying at Elland Road would be the smart move for him this summer.
“They’ll be looking to recoup more than what they paid for him,” he told Football Insider.
“We’re talking over £15million – that’s a huge figure that would probably get it done.
“I always think that his time at Tottenham wasn’t amazing, but he’s shown what he’s capable of at Leeds.
“He’s playing good football every week and looks happy.
“He’s at a huge club in their own right, so staying could be his best route going forward.”
On his chances of getting a second chance at Spurs, Hutton added: “Do I see him breaking into that Tottenham team going forward? No.
“The way that they play with such a high line – you need to be a top, top player to do what they do well.
“It might not suit him at this moment in time.”
Rodon’s five-year deal at Spurs is due to expire in summer 2025.
READ MORE ~ Archie Gray: Why Leeds United have a future £100m player on their hands

Man Utd summer signing brutally put down in training by youngster amid team-mate ‘doubts’

According to reports, Manchester United summer signing Andre Onana was criticised in training by ‘a young player who had barely played a first-team game’.
One of United’s priorities during last year’s summer transfer window was to sign a new goalkeeper following David De Gea’s exit upon the expiry of his contract last year.

Onana struggled earlier this season…

Former Ajax goalkeeper Onana was chosen as De Gea’s replacement and a fee of around £47m was spent by Man Utd to set up a reunion with manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch head coach prefers to have a goalkeeper who is good on the ball but this had been one of De Gea’s biggest weaknesses in recent years so it was only a matter of time before he was replaced.
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Onana worked with Ten Hag at Ajax and he was superb for Inter Milan last season as they reached the Champions League final but he struggled at the start of this campaign for Man Utd.
The Cameroon international was at his worst in the Champions League group stages. He made a few high-profile mistakes as Man Utd failed to reach the knockout stages of the competition and did not enter the Europa League as they finished bottom of Group A.
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is a British billionaire engineer and chairman of chemical giant

Onana’s performances have gradually improved as this season has progressed but he was under serious pressure at the start of this campaign.
But according to The Athletic, Onana has been ‘doubted’ by his team-mates this season and was involved in an embarrassing incident with a young player in training. The report revealed.

‘Even though a stern-faced Erik ten Hag refused to blame him for errors, his team-mates doubted him, no matter what they said publicly. In one training session, a young player who had barely played a first-team game said, “Are you going to save one or what?” after he felt United’s new goalkeeper wasn’t stopping enough shots.
‘Onana was down and told people close to him: “I don’t know what is happening to me with these mistakes. I always have confidence in myself but now I’m losing it.” Those who know him best said he moved his body differently during games. The goalkeeper they saw wasn’t the goalkeeper they knew.’

READ MORE: Five reasons Gareth Southgate would *actually* be good for Manchester United

“I am not happy…”

Back in December, Onana admitted that he was “not happy” with how his career at Man Utd started.
“If I have to speak about my season so far for Manchester United, I am not happy because I know I can do much much better, I’ve done it and I know I will do it better than what is happening now,” Onana told Sky Sports.

“We are not facing a good moment. I hope things will change as soon as possible.
“But listen, you want to tell me in six months the best goalkeeper in the Champions League last season can become the worst in the world? Nah.
“Everything is temporary. I know it’ll be alright. If not today, it will be tomorrow, if not tomorrow, the day after tomorrow.”

Henry claims Real Madrid ‘got rid’ of Ronaldo and current Man Utd pair at the perfect moment

FC Barcelona legend Thierry Henry has commented on Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe and their decision to “get rid” of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid are enjoying a successful season under head coach Carlo Ancelotti as they are seven points clear at the top of La Liga.

Bellingham to be joined by Mbappe?

England international Jude Bellingham has enjoyed a remarkable debut season at Real Madrid and he’s expected to be joined by Mbappe during this summer’s transfer window.
The World Cup winner will be out of contract at the end of this season and it’s being widely reported that he will join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his deal with Paris Saint-Germain expires.

Earlier this week, Henry warned Real Madrid’s rivals that Ancelotti’s team can “dominate” for “six or seven years” once they have Mbappe.
“If you look at it properly, if Mbappé goes to Real Madrid they will have a team that can dominate Europe and LaLiga for maybe six or seven years because they will all be young, Mbappé, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Valverde, Tchouameni…” Henry said on CBS Sports.
READ MORE: Thank you Luis Enrique for ‘punishing’ egotistical Kylian Mbappe en route to Real Madrid transfer

“It was time…”

Henry has also reserved special praise for Real Madrid as they “know when to get rid of players”. The Arsenal and Barcelona icon brought up Ronaldo and two current Man Utd players when attempting to prove his point.
“What they do very well is to know when to get rid of players. I don’t mean players that it’s logical to get rid of. I mean it was time for Cristiano Ronaldo,” Henry claimed.
Related video: Real Madrid's need for Kylian Mbappé was evident in their match against Leipzig. (Sports AlDente)

After Kylie and baps stellar Champions League performance,

“It was time for Casemiro. It was time for Mesut Özil. It was time for Varane, who I think was out with a knee problem”.
He added: “There’s one thing you have to give Real Madrid a lot of credit for, and that’s the ability they have to make sure they build a team by keeping the old guard to make sure they can pass on to the guys coming in, to the youngsters they sign.”
READ MORE: Mbappe, ex-Man Utd target lead list of best players available on a free transfer in summer 2024
Speaking last month, Ancelotti insisted that he was not “affected or worried” about reports linking Real Madrid with Mbappe.
“I see and hear what has happened. I understand that it’s the subject of the day for you, but for us it’s tomorrow’s game,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“Vallecas is always a tough place to play at. It has been in the past and it’ll be a tough game against a team that needs points.


“Do I seem affected or worried (about Mbappe) today? No. It will be the same at the next press conference.
“We have to finish this season well. We’ve discussed the game, we’ve watched a video and we’ve tried to prepare for the game as well as possible.
“It’s a vital game for our season. I’d like to finish this season well and try to win trophies. There’s plenty of time to think about next season.”