Rio Ferdinand publicly calls for the 'next Virgil van Dijk' to join Manchester United
Rio Ferdinand has launched an impassioned plea for Manchester United to sign French youngster Leny Yoro.
The 18-year-old, who has been dubbed the “next Virgil van Dijk', enjoyed a magnificent season with Lille, which led to major clubs in Europe becoming interested in acquiring his services.
The centre-back who made his debut with Lille at just 16 years old, made a leap Chelsea legend Eden Hazard becoming the second youngest player to play for the Ligue 1 club.
Yoro has adapted to top-flight football with ease, quickly establishing himself as a starter for the 2021 Ligue 1 champions.
The Yoro propaganda train is in full motion and it seems Ferdinand is fully on board, he should Manchester United They turn their attention to the teenager.
“There's an 18-year-old boy, I would love for him to come to Manchester United,” Ferdinand told FIVE.
“If you're looking at Leny Yoro, please accept Manchester United,” the former Red Devils defender pleaded. “Please Manchester United, make the offer and please accept because with this kid, his potential is as high as anyone at the moment, including (William) Saliba.
“Physically he is not as developed (as Saliba), but he is a different type of centre-back. He is quick, he tries to bite and get in front. He can play, he is tall and mobile.”
It's easy to see why the Manchester United legend is a fan of Yoro, who resembles Ferdinand in style and build.
Yoro plays with a confidence and swagger reminiscent of Ferdinand when he burst onto the West Ham scene.
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The Lille star has shown his quality in both domestic and European football and arguably his best performance came during his personal duel with Kylian Mbappé in a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain last December.
Yoro impressively matched Mbappe's pace and limited the 2018 World Cup winner to any fights in a clash that prompted PSG chiefs to lodge an offer for the defender in January.
Lille rejected PSG's offers and preferred to keep the player until the summer, but the secret is now out. real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United have joined the growing list of suitors.
Real Madrid are currently leading the way for Yoro, who has reportedly been advised to stay at Lille for the upcoming campaign to pave the way for a free transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer.
With French football mired in a fresh financial crisis after failing to reach a broadcast deal before the new campaign kicks off in five weeks, Lille cannot afford to lose its biggest asset for nothing.
A significant offer from Manchester United could change the trajectory of Yoro's future with an exit almost guaranteed within the next 12 months.
