Manchester United are now racing Barcelona for the signature of a "wonderful" rising star, who's keen on a move to the Premier League.
Man Utd set sights on another young defender
It has been a subpar start to the season for Man United, with being knocked out of the EFL Cup by Grimsby Town a low point, but young defender Leny Yoro has managed to catch the eye, having been singled out for praise by Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand said: "Leny Yoro’s got pace, going to get more time. Yeah, I love him. I think his ceiling, I don’t know where his ceiling, how high, [it] could be anything. He just needs the pieces around him as well to help him as a young kid, but I think he has the nucleus of all the right traits to be a top centre-half and he will be because he wants to be."
Man-Utd-Yoro
Yoro has started all three Premier League games up to this point, forming a partnership with Matthijs De Ligt and Harry Maguire, who is now arguably in the latter stages of his career at 32.
As such, it now appears as though United are looking to bring in a long-term replacement for Maguire, having joined the race for a rising star.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Man United are battling the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Chelsea for the signature of Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman, having consistently scouted the 18-year-old.
Bouwman, who idolises Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, is said to have world-class potential, which explains the interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, and the teenager has previously made it clear he would be keen on a move to England.
The Ajax defender said: "The top four of the Premier League is my ultimate dream, although playing at the top in Spain or another major footballing country would also be amazing."
"Wonderful" Bouwman is one for the future
Despite his age, the youngster has already managed to force his way into the Ajax team, helping his side keep a clean sheet against Telstar back in August, having previously impressed scout Antonio Mango at youth level.
In the 2-0 victory over Telstar, the young centre-back made 10 defensive actions, the joint-highest number of any player on the pitch, while also winning three duels.
Statistic Number completed
Clearances 3
Blocked shots 3
Interceptions 1
Tackles 3
That said, Bouwman has still only made one senior appearance for Ajax, so it is perhaps too early to judge whether he would be a suitable signing for Man United, despite showing the hallmarks of a future star.