Man United might just have dropped a Leny Yoro transfer hint with new move

Three is the magic number for Manchester United this summer as they, conditionally, attempt to strengthen their squad with a new defensive trio. Should things go according to plan, Jarrad Branthwaite, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro will stride through the door at Old Trafford and shore things up in the process.

The wheels are in motion in that respect. United have verbally agreed personal terms with De Ligt and have made two bids for Branthwaite - both rejected - as Everton play hard ball over an £80million valuation. Yoro represents a hugely-exciting glimpse into the future.

Regarded as one of the best young players on the planet, United will tussle with Real Madrid for his signature and they are understood to have had an offer between €60million and €70million accepted for the Lille sensation. They have been in a similar position before, though.

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Rewind to 2011 and United had an 18-year-old French defender in their sights. Real won the transfer market duel on that occasion, though, and United had to wait another decade before finally signing Raphael Varane, who departed the Premier League giants this summer to make way for new blood.

Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire might eventually follow suit - with further outgoings needed to allow United to snap up three centre-backs as they so wish - while emerging reports from Sky Germany pinpoint Jonathan Tah as a viable and attainable alternative if Branthwaite, De Ligt or Yoro slip away.

Ten years Yoro's senior, Tah represents a different kind of option, but one United are well-served to explore with a few moving parts at play. Standing at 6ft 5in, the