Now the transfer window is up and running, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has made a firm demand to new Red Devils' supremo Dan Ashworth

Rio Ferdinand has pleaded with Dan Ashworth to sign 18-year-old defensive sensation Leny Yoro for Manchester United.

The former England captain has been in Germany, watching Arsenal sensation William Saliba impress for France throughout the competition. In the near future, the graceful central defender could have a new defensive partner in Yoro, who has been in Lille's senior squad since 2022.

Yoro, who is believed to have been subject to a PS43million transfer bid from Paris Saint-Germain that was accepted by his club, has also been linked with a move to Liverpool and Real Madrid. Despite that news coming in May, he is still currently a Lille player, suggesting that a move to the Parc des Princes is not yet signed, sealed and delivered.

Ferdinand has evidently not given up hope on the youngster, urging Ashworth, who was unveiled as the new sporting director of the Red Devils at the start of the month, to pursue a move for the teenager.

"If you're looking 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."

When he was compared to Saliba, Ferdinand replied: "Physically, he's not as developed or formidable, but he's a different kind of central defender. He's quick, he tries to nibble to get in front, he can play, he's long, tall, and mobile."

Yoro is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football ( Image:

However, his current side are now in a difficult position as Yoro has entered the final year of his contract. If Bruno Genesio's side are to cash in on his services, they will need to do it this summer.

Yoro will be able to depart the Stade Pierre Mayroy for nothing when his deal expires at the end of next season. He will also be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with potential suitors up to six months before his deal comes to an end.

According to the Athletic, Yoro has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid, where he would become the latest Frenchman to arrive at the Bernabeu after Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Kylian Mbappe.

It's also claimed that Real Madrid do not want to pay more than PS34m to secure his services. Considering his purported preference of moving to the Spanish capital, they may even be in a position to wait for his contract to run down and sign him for nothing as they did with Mbappe.