Man United 'working simultaneously' on three centre-back deals

Negotiations over a deal for De Ligt are believed to be at an advanced stage, with the Netherlands international expected to be announced as a new Man United player in the near future.

De Ligt played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and is seemingly set for a reunion with the now Red Devils manager, but the 24-year-old is not the only centre-back the club are targeting.

According to Sky Sports News, Man United are working simultaneously on deals for De Ligt, Branthwaite and Yoro, with the 20-time English champions preparing to overhaul their defence this summer.

The report claims that the club are currently deciding whether to make another bid for Branthwaite, having seen two offers for the Englishman turned down by Everton.

De Ligt, Branthwaite, Yoro could all move to Old Trafford

Man United's latest offer for Branthwaite is believed to have been in the region of £45m, plus £5m in add-ons, but Everton are believed to value the defender between £70m and £80m.

The Red Devils are also keen on Yoro and allegedly had an offer for the 18-year-old accepted by Lille earlier this week.

However, a deal for the Frenchman is far from straightforward due to the presence of Real Madrid, and Yoro is believed to be determined to make the switch to Bernabeu.

Man United are allegedly waiting to hear whether Yoro is prepared to join them, but Lille are thought to be pushing for the youngster to move to Old Trafford in a deal worth around €50m (£42m).

Real Madrid's preference is thought to be to wait until next summer to potentially sign the teenager on a free transfer, and it is unclear whether the Spanish outfit will meet Lille's asking price this summer.

How would it be possible for all three to arrive?

Raphael Varane's departure has created space in the squad, while Jonny Evans is also currently a free agent, with his contract expiring at the end of June.

The club remain in talks with Evans over a fresh one-year contract, but both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are being heavily linked with exits.

If it becomes a serious possibility for Man United to bring in all three of their centre-back targets, then it is very likely that Maguire and Lindelof will move on.

In that scenario, Lisandro Martinez would be joined by Yoro, Branthwaite and De Ligt in terms of centre-back options next season, with Evans and Willy Kambwala providing support.

However, at the moment, De Ligt's transfer is the only one seemingly close, and the Red Devils could soon confirm his signing, in addition to the acquisition of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.