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Manchester United are now lining up a January move for a “powerful” £53m star, who is being targeted by some of the Premier League‘s biggest clubs.
Man Utd looking to sign new defender amid Leny Yoro’s struggles
Although Man United ultimately prevailed 2-1 against Crystal Palace on Sunday, it wasn’t an entirely convincing performance, and Leny Yoro was particularly poor, giving away a penalty and making one error leading to a shot, which resulted in a SofaScore match rating of just 5.7.
United have taken major strides since the beginning of the campaign, having now risen to seventh in the Premier League table, but they clearly aren’t the finished article just yet, with Reuben Amorim‘s defense being called into question at times.
Having kept just one clean sheet in all competitions this season, the Red Devils are now looking at bringing in a new centre-back this winter, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they are lining up a move for RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United are also keen on signing Lukeba, with the Blues said to be leading the January chase for his signature, and the German club may be willing to cash-in for around €60m (£53m) this winter.
That is despite the fact that the defender has a €90m (£79m) release clause in his contract, and the recent asking price reduction could spark a bidding war next month.
Man Utd should make move for “powerful” Lukeba
The report makes it clear that bringing in a new defender isn’t a priority for Amorim this winter, but perhaps it should be, given that Man United have struggled from a defensive point of view, even shipping two goals in the EFL Cup defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town.
Left center-back Luke Shaw also received heavy criticism Gary Neville for not working hard enough against Everton, with the Sky Sports pundit saying: “He should be running forward every single time. I don’t care. Yoro, I have a little bit more sympathy for Shaw? That’s a waste of time. I don’t care. It’s not conning anybody. I’m not having it.”
As such, bringing in a new centre-back could be a smart move this winter, and the RB Leipzig star has impressed over the past year, averaging 1.41 interceptions and 1.80 blocks per 90, placing him in the 81st and 95th percentiles compared to other defenders.
Lukeba is a well-rounded defender, who is also capable of contributing going forward, with scout Ben Mattinson describing him as “powerful” and “strong in both boxes“, and at just 22-years-old, the Frenchman could be a solid long-term addition to Amorim’s backline.
