Rio Ferdinand has appealed for Dan Ashworth to bring defensive starlet Leny Yoro to Manchester United.

Ferdinand, who has been closely monitoring the progress of William Saliba with France, believes that Yoro could be an ideal partner for the Arsenal man in the future. Despite a hefty PS43million offer from Paris Saint-Germain reportedly being accepted by Lille back in May, Yoro remains with the French club, indicating that a switch to PSG is not yet a done deal.

On his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand called for United's new sporting director to swoop in for the 18-year-old, who has been part of Lille's first team since 2022. He said: "I think Real Madrid are going to take Yoro instead [of William Saliba]. I would love him to come to Man United.

"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 asked about comparisons to Saliba, Ferdinand said: "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."

Last season saw Yoro make 44 appearances for Lille, scoring three goals and playing a key role in the team that eliminated Aston Villa from the Europa Conference League via penalties.

With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Yoro could leave Stade Pierre Mayroy on the cheap. Additionally, he's eligible to discuss pre-contract terms with interested clubs six months prior to his contract's conclusion.

The Athletic reports that Yoro is keen on a move to Real Madrid and join French players like Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Kylian Mbappe at the Bernabeu. Real reportedly do not wish to spend over PS34m for Yoro's transfer. Given his preference for Madrid, they might opt to wait until his contract expires to sign him on a free, mirroring their acquisition of Mbappe.