Yoro bid accepted, De Ligt terms agreed - Where Manchester United stand on centre-back search

Manchester United are considering a number of options as they look to overhaul the centre-back position in the summer transfer window.

United are open to signing as many as three new central defenders in the current window, while they are targeting a minimum of two as part of their squad rebuild.

It is understood United have already provisionally agreed personal terms with both Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt over potential moves this summer, but they are yet to agree a fee with either of their respective clubs. It is the opposite situation with Leny Yoro, who has not agreed to join United, though Lille have accepted a bid for the player.

United have seen two bids rejected by Everton for Branthwaite, while they are yet to make a formal offer to Bayern Munich for the services of De Ligt. Yoro is believed to favour a move for Real Madrid, but the La Liga giants would rather wait a year to sign him as a free agent once his current deal expires.

United are keeping their options open with regard to what happens next, with their pursuit of centre-back reinforcement a fluid situation that is intrinsically linked to player sales.

The club would be in the position to buy at least one centre-back straightaway this window, but the addition of a second and even possibly third would depend on raising funds to finance it. United are wary of spending too much money early on this summer until they are confident of exactly how much they will bring in from sales.

United’s options at centre-back are limiting heading into pre-season with Lisandro Martinez away at the Copa America with Argentina, while Raphael Varane has left the club and Jonny Evans is a free agent, though he could still pen a one-year contract extension.

Talks are ongoing to find Victor Lindelof a new club, while United will entertain any offers that arrive for Harry Maguire this summer. Willy Kambwala will be given another chance in pre-season but could leave on loan if United end up signing two or three central defenders.