Man Utd look to repeat Yoro trick on Real Madrid for €75m transfer target

Manchester United are hoping to beat Real Madrid to the signing of another defender this summer with one of Europe’s top defenders reportedly being eyed by Ruben Amorim.

United will look to make wholesale changes to their squad this summer as they look to build a team more in the mould of Amorim’s philosophy.

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Although forwards and wing-backs are likely to be the highest priority for Amorim, the United boss is still struggling to figure out his ideal trio of centre-backs in his system.

United had already signed two centre-backs last summer in Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, the latter of whom was a top target for Real Madrid, however United were willing to offer €62 million to secure the Frenchman, leading to him moving to England over Spain.

And it appears United are eyeing another transfer coup over Real, with Spanish outlet todofichajes claiming that RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba is the club’s ‘priority’ to strengthen at left centre-back.

United reportedly feel they have the advantage over the likes of Real, Liverpool and Chelsea due to Amorim’s preference for three centre-backs, similar to how Lukeba already plays at Leipzig.

United eye Lukeba as youthful future of Amorim’s defence

Lukeba has established himself as a standout performer since joining Leipzig from Lyon for €34m in 2023 and the 22-year-old is likely to command significant interest this summer.

Leipzig are not keen to lose their star defender but it is reported that United are ‘confident’ they can negotiate a fee of around €75m for Lukeba even with his release clause being set at €90m.

United are looking for a youthful, high-quality successor to Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, both of whom are in their thirties and not players Amorim is counting on for the long-term.

The Red Devils do have Lisandro Martinez as a left-sided centre back but the Argentine will face a long spell on the sidelines after rupturing his ACL earlier this month.

Leipzig’s valuation of Lukeba could prove to be a stumbling block for United, who are continuing to battle PSR constraints, while it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman would be convinced by the Premier League side even though they are set to miss out on European football entirely next season.