Manchester United have launched a bid to sign a young star, but the defender is also attracting attention from Chelsea and Liverpool
20:21, 21 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick
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Manchester United are in the market for a defender(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have tabled a bid to a secure defender, who, after making his senior debut last month, has attracted interest from Premier League sides.
United have put forward an offer for Sheffield Wednesday's Yisa Alao, 17, though they're facing rivalry from Chelsea and Liverpool, giving him several options to weigh up. Scouts have been taken with Alao's physical attributes and potential for development.
The defender has been training with Wednesday's first-team squad throughout the season and earned his second senior appearance against Portsmouth last week, starting the match and playing 63 minutes.
A male athlete, clad in a blue and white striped jersey, is captured mid-gesture on a soccer field. His hands are clasped together, likely in a gesture of celebration or acknowledgment. The backdrop features a partially visible soccer goal and a section of the stadium seating.
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Yisa Alao, 17, made his senior debut last month(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Wednesday found themselves in financial difficulties under previous owner Dejphon Chansiri, meaning they're obliged to consider bids for their players to generate funds and keep the club running.
Speaking recently, Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen acknowledged his side needed to offload players. "There has to be something (player sales). I think we need to do something," he said.
"But of course I want to keep our players with the squad we have now. For Yisa, he's a special boy because he's one of our own. Of course we want to keep our biggest assets in the club."
United are constantly scouting for top young talent to bolster their youth squads.
The impact of Brexit on their recruitment strategy means that signing players from within Britain has become the norm.
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Meanwhile, United are back on cloud nine after parting ways with Ruben Amorim earlier this month - and hiring Michael Carrick to take over until the end of the season.
The Red Devils embarrassed their local rivals Manchester City in Carrick's first game in the dugout over the weekend, with the 2-0 score line flattering Pep Guardiola's side.
United are back in action on Sunday, facing another tough task against Arsenal - who also dropped points in the thief last Premier League game.