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After failing to bolster their defence in January, Manchester United may try to do so in the summer transfer window. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has given GIVEMESPORT an exclusive update on three of their possible targets: Antonio Silva, Leny Yoro, and Jean-Clair Todibo.

The Manchester United team had a quiet winter transfer window as they concentrated on getting rid of some of the fringe players in their roster rather than making any new signings. With some of their long-term goals expected to become more realistic in the summer, this might place the club in a great position.

Many people have suggested that signing a new forward should be the top priority because Rasmus Hojlund needs competition and Anthony Martial’s contract is about to expire. But the center-back spot might potentially provide a problem come football season, and United is anticipated to look to add more players when the summer transfer window opens.

United connected to three centre backs

Throughout his tenure at United, Harry Maguire has had setbacks, Lisandro Martinez has had numerous injury setbacks, and Raphael Varane’s future is undoubtedly uncertain. Since Jonny Evans was only signed for a brief period of time, the Manchester club may have problems at centre back before the next campaign begins.

Man Utd centre backs for the 2023–2024 Premier League (08-12-23)

Maguire

Varane

Martinez

Lindelof

Evans

Looks

10 (3)

9 (5)

7 (1)

10 (3)

10 (4)

The mean score

6.79

6.56

6.42

6.50

6.54

Wins in aerial duels per game

2.8

1.1

0.4

0.8

1.8

each game’s tackle total

0.8

0.8

1.4

0.8

0.6

Every game, interceptions

1.2

0.6

0.5

0.6

0.8

Statistics based on WhoScored, current as of June 02, 2024

Prior to the January transfer window, United reportedly had fruitful discussions with Nice defender Todibo, according to the Mirror. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is expected to take charge at Old Trafford, owns the French team. The centre back was unlikely to be sold by Nice in the middle of the season, therefore the trade fell through.

The United Stand YouTube channel was previously informed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano that INEOS values Lille kid Yoro as a player. Once more, it makes sense that the French team was hesitant to let go of Yoro in January, and they likely anticipated a bidding war to start in the summer.

With an £86 million release clause in his contract, Portuguese centre back Silva of Benfica may also be a possibility for the Red Devils. United is rumoured to be interested, but closing the deal could be costly. It seems that Erik ten Hag and his hiring staff will make adding a defender a top priority during the upcoming transfer window.

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Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United values the trio

Romano has stated that Todibo, Yoro, and Silva—who might fetch a combined £164 million—are valued by Manchester United; however, several other European teams, notably Paris Saint-Germain, are also interested. The Italian reporter goes on to say that he believes Nice will be competing with United for Todibo given their unwillingness to let go of the defender in January. However, Nice may decide to sell the defender during the summer transfer window. When he spoke with GIVEMESPORT, Romano stated…

“Nice’s goal was to retain the player and most likely sell him during the summer transfer window. Manchester United will therefore undoubtedly be a contender for Todibo come summertime. However, there are other centre backs, such as Antonio Silva at Benfica and Leny Yoro at Lille. All of these players are valued by United as well as numerous other European teams, such as Paris Saint-Germain. The deal is difficult because of this.”

Raphael Varane’s upcoming news

It’s known that Varane and ten Hag had frank conversations after the French defender grew irritated with his limited playing time at Old Trafford this year. As things are, his future appears far from assured, and in recent months, rival teams have shown interest in him.

Prior to the January transfer window, Bayern Munich apparently kept an eye on his circumstances, but they ultimately decided to take Eric Dier on a loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Italian writer Romano recently revealed to GIVEMESPORT that Varane was being looked at by clubs in the summer, but no firm offer was ever made. There will be talks about his future throughout the course of the upcoming weeks and months.