Manchester United stance on Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt after Leny Yoro transfer

Manchester United have refused to rule out moves for centre backs Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt following the signing of Leny Yoro from Lille.

Club sources say Yoro was their priority and a deal they were able to progress quickly after two offers were rejected for Everton defender Branthwaite.

Everton are baffled that United, whose opening offer was £35m rising to £43m before a second bid of £45m rising to £50m, have agreed a fee of almost £60m for the 18-year-old Yoro, who was out of contract next year.

United have bought Loro for €62m rising to €72m, having failed to make any headway with Branthwaite. United have verbally agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich defender De Ligt but have not submitted a bid.

READ MORE: Greenwood exits United after swift Ratcliffe decision

READ MORE: Why United signed Yoro as teenager opens up on move

The Manchester Evening News revealed earlier this month United are open to signing three centre halves this summer. Raphael Varane was released, Willy Kambwala was sold to Villarreal last week and the club are trying to sell Victor Lindelof.

United insist any further movement with Branthwaite or De Ligt is subject to balancing their budget and other positional priorities. Branthwaite, 22, is under contract at Everton until 2027 and is valued at between £70m and £80m. Bayern reputedly want £42m for De Ligt, 24.

Yoro's arrival means United have secured the two most important additions to their squad before jetting off for the pre-season tour, with younger replacements for Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial secured. Forward Joshua Zirkzee was the first signing of the summer after moving from Bologna for £35.7m.

Dan Ashworth, Manchester United sporting director, said: “Leny is