Manchester United have already made it abundantly clear that their priority on the summer transfer market is to bolster their options at the center back position.
The Red Devils are going to completely overhaul their defense, sending the likes of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire packing while bringing in at least two top-notch center back options to work with Lisandro Martinez.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Manchester United have Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio, Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo, and Lille youngster Leny Yoro as their three priority targets for the center back position this summer.
But interestingly enough, Caught Offside also report that Manchester United ownership group INEOS have earmarked 45 million pounds to sign a central defender.
That may only be enough to sign Todibo of those three players, because both Yoro and Inacio have been linked to other elite clubs with an asking price exceeding 60 million.
Yoro is the dream target for Manchester United because he is a teenager who is already Ligue 1’s best, but Real Madrid already know he is the next big thing, with head scout Juni Calafat absolutely smitten with him.
Manchester United are going to find it just about impossible to sign Yoro if both Real Madrid and the player himself are set on getting a deal done.
When it comes to these kinds of deals, Real Madrid usually get their man, but Man United have two other top-class young players in mind, including Todibo, who has been on their radar for a while.
Todibo for less than 45 million pounds is achievable, but Yoro is nearly impossible for Man United while Inacio will be difficult at that price, especially if the other elite clubs push hard for him.
Manchester United are going to have to increase their budget if they are serious about signing elite center back options like Yoro, Inacio, and even Jarrad Branthwaite.
So far, Manchester United fans don’t have a reason to be fully optimistic about INEOS yet. The results aren’t in yet, while the rumors, such as the ones around the right wing, are mildly concerning.
