Leny Yoro

The news last week that we'd had a bid for Leny Yoro accepted by Lille was accompanied by a wide belief that the player has his heart set on joining Real Madrid. However, credible reports are emerging that we're now talking to Yoro's representatives about salary, while Real are reluctant to pay out for the player. Obviously, this could go either way, but now there's a realistic possibility we sign him, it might be worth considering the pros and cons of the centre backs we're linked with.

I haven't watched him at all, but from a fair bit of reading and podcast-listening, my impression is that of all the CBs we've been linked with, Yoro has the highest potential - with the attributes to become one of the finest defenders of his generation. On the other hand, he's also currently less fully developed as a player, which is understandable as an 18 year-old, compared with Branthwaite (22) and De Ligt (24). He's technically sound, very fast, very agile, good at nicking the ball away in a 1 vs 1, great at using his pace and timing to recover when an attacker breaks the line. Apparently not outstanding in the air yet. Decent passer but not Martinez levels of technicality with the ball at his feet. Right-footed - so he could partner Lisandro.

De Ligt is vastly experienced, very good at the nuts and bolts of defending, positioning, tackling, excellent in the air (in both boxes), a competent passer (not Lisandro levels, but an upgrade on Varane / adept at the long switch of play pass)... and not exactly rapid. Strong leadership skills. Questions about his injury record. Right footed.

Branthwaite is as familiar to anyone reading this as he is to me. His athleticism and two-footedness impressed everyone last season. Looks better suited to playing on the left.

There seems to be a suggestion that United want to buy two CBs this summer, with Varane and Kambwala leaving the club and a likelihood that we'll sell one of Maguire or Lindelof. It may well be that we have a longer list of target players and others will emerge if and when the above are crossed off (as Todibo was when Uefa clarified that a transfer between United and Nice would not be permitted) and it may be that the outcome will be as much about which deals can be done. Branthwaite starts to look unlikely due to Everton's demands. Yoro will likely depend on the player's decision.

Not saying it's the right decision, but in the same way I'd rather have Zirkzee than an established striker and see how he develops at United, I'd love to see Yoro come to Manchester and grow into a legend.

Edit:

United have also been linked in the last 24 hours with Jonathan Tah, the Leverkusen CB who is supposdely wanted by Bayern (and the reason they are considering selling De Ligt). He's 28, tall, decent on the ball, right footed but can play LCB. Quite comfortable in possession. One year left on his contract.