Rio Ferdinand sends personal transfer plea to Leny Yoro after Man Utd bid for Liverpool target

With the Copa America and European Championship both ending this summer, the wheels of the transfer window should start firmly turning in the next week or so. Liverpool has yet to make its first signing, but it is far from alone there.

Neither of the Manchester clubs has completed a deal in this transfer window yet either. While the Reds are likely more interested in what City gets up to, from a Premier League title battle perspective, they appear to be in direct competition with a United for a reported target.

As well as England’s two most successful clubs, Leny Yoro has also been linked with Real Madrid. Not bad going for an 18-year-old. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has made a public plea to the youngster, asking him to sign for the Red Devils.

READ MORE: Who is Joao Gomes? Liverpool linked with Wolves midfielder and it’s easy to see why

READ MORE: Liverpool sent ‘astonishing’ Anthony Gordon message as Arne Slot warned of transfer implications

“I think Real Madrid are going to take Yoro instead (of William Saliba). I would love him to come to Man United,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five podcast.

He then offered a personal message to both the Lille youngster and his former club. “If you’re looking for Leny Yoro, please accept and come to Man United, please. Man United, please, make the offer and please accept because this kid, I think his ceiling is as high as anybody right now, including Saliba,” he suggested.

Ferdinand offered more praise to Yoro when the starlet was compared with the Arsenal centre-back. “Physically, he’s not as developed or formidable, but he’s a different kind of central defender. He’s quick, and he tries to nibble to get in front, he can play, he’s long, tall, and mobile.”

Much like Liverpool, United are in the market for central defensive reinforcements this summer. Raphael Varane has already left following the conclusion of his contract, while it would not be a surprise to see Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire leave too.

It could be that both Premier League giants miss out on Yoro. It has been reported by The Athletic that Real and Lille are “progressing in talks over a deal,” with the fee believed to be in the region of $43.3m (£33.8m/€40m) plus add-ons. While that fee would ‘t be beyond Liverpool or United, the story notes that Yoro is happy with the terms on offer.

Liverpool.com says: While United won’t have asked Ferdinand to try to convince Yoro to move to Old Trafford, it reeks of when Brendan Rodgers had Steven Gerrard contact transfer targets on his behalf. In short, it’s not something that a successful, well-run club would do. Liverpool likely won’t sign Yoro but it’s doubtful United will either.