Manchester United are gearing up for a busy summer transfer window, with Ruben Amorim eyeing a new second-choice goalkeeper as well as signings in midfield and attack - but that's not all
Manchester United have joined the race to sign another centre-back less than a year after spending just shy of £100million to strengthen the position. The Red Devils paid £52m to bring in Leny Yoro before signing Matthijs de ligt for £42.9m under ex-manager Erik ten Hag.
Ruben Amorim's appointment in November after Ten Hag had been sacked brought with it a change of formation. The former Sporting Lisbon boss' 3-4-2-1 system, which he refuses to deviate from, requires three central defenders and he's already found himself short of options in recent months.
Long-term injuries for Yoro and Lisandro Martinez have meant that Amorim has rarely had all of his centre-backs fit and available. Young defender Ayden Heaven, who was signed from Arsenal in January as one for the future, was drafted into the first-team last month, but now the 18-year-old also finds himself on the sidelines, joining Martinez, Harry Maguire and veteran Jonny Evans.
Two centre-backs, namely Evans and Victor Lindelof, are also set to leave United in the summer transfer window, as Amorim plots a huge clear-out which could see 10 players leave Old Trafford. With that in mind, and despite other areas such as goalkeeper, midfield and striker being a priority, the Red Devils are on the hunt for a new centre-back, leading them to Fenerbahce's Yusuf Akcicek.
The 19-year-old, who on Sunday made his debut for Turkey, has reportedly been added to United's shortlist. Having made 15 appearances for Fenerbahce this season under Jose Mourinho, some of Europe's biggest clubs are being linked with a move for Akcicek, potentially giving United some stiff competition.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, United are keen on the 6ft 4in centre-back, who Tottenham recently send scouts to watch. The Premier League pair are joined Bayern Munich, Napoli, Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig in registering their interest.
But Fenerbahce are planning to keep hold of Akcicek, with the Super Lig giants in advanced negotiations over a long-term contract, likely running beyond 2030. If a big enough offer was presented, however, Fenerbahce chiefs would be open to talks.
What makes Akcicek attractive to United is that he's left-footed. Currently, the injured Martinez and Heaven are the only left-footed centre-backs in Amorim's squad.
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Akcicek would likely cost much less than Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, who the Red Devils had two bids rejected for last year. What's more is that Mourinho likened his teenage sensation to ex-Real Madrid and United centre-back Raphael Varane following an impressive display during Fenerbahce's recent 0-0 draw with Galatasaray.
Mourinho explained: "If he doesn't do well, you will kill me. I know how it works. To play the kid in a match like that, I'm sorry for the word but he saved by ass. He was amazing. I'm very proud of him, I trust him. He's not perfect but he will be perfect.
"I don't want to compare him to Rapha Varane because he has won four Champions Leagues, World Cup and won everything. "But I played Rapha Varane when he was 18 and I was not wrong. And I'mm not wrong with this kid. (He has a) big personality and is very confident."
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