Manchester United still in talks with free agent despite three transfer bids

Manchester United are still in talks with Jonny Evans about extending his Old Trafford stay despite pressing ahead with plans to overhaul Erik ten Hag's defence.

Evans was out of contract in June and has now officially left the club, but he could re-sign as a free agent and talks are continuing to take place over whether the former academy graduate stays for a second season.

United are shaking up their options at centre-back this summer and could look to make three new signings in that position. They have had a bid accepted by Lille for teenager Leny Yoro, believed to be between €60m and €70m, although Yoro's preferred destination is Real Madrid.

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Two bids for 21-year-old centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite have been rejected by Everton, while United remain in talks with Bayern Munich for 24-year-old Matthijs de Ligt, who could be available for around €50m. United have already agreed personal terms with the former Ajax defender.

Raphael Varane's three-year stay at Old Trafford came to an end this summer when he left at the end of his contract and the club are working hard to sell Victor Lindelof, who has just a year left on his existing contract.

Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are the only senior central defenders contracted to the club at the moment, although 19-year-old Willy Kambwala looks to have been handed a more prominent shirt number on his return for pre-season training, having played 10 games last season during an injury crisis.

Even if Lindelof was sold, three new additions at the heart of defence would give Ten Hag five senior options before considering Evans or Kambwala, but there remains much uncertainty around the targets in that position.

United are pushing hard for Yoro, but he has just a year left on his contract and could dig his heels in with Lille to force a move to Real Madrid, who have indicated they are willing to wait 12 months and sign him on a free transfer if necessary.

The latest bid of £45m, plus £5m in add-ons, for Branthwaite was turned down by the Toffees, who continue to insist on a £70m asking price. United have indicated they will not go that high this summer.

With a move for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee edging closer, United will need to sell to raise funds to do the business they want during this window. They could soon back an initial £23.3m from Marseille for Mason Greenwood, if the 22-year-old agrees personal terms on a move to the Ligue 1 side.

Re-signing Evans, 36, will give United cover at the heart of defence as they assess what can be done in that area of the position. The Northern Ireland international played 30 games last season but is unlikely to feature as often in 2024/25.