Manchester United transfer news and gossip as Fenerbahce defender Yusuf Akcicek emerges as a target for Ruben Amorim's project
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Jose Mourinho
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho(Image: PA)
Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Fenerbahce and Turkey defender Yusuf Akcicek.
Despite spending close to £100million on centre-backs in the last year, United's backline remains alarmingly short. Leny Yoro cost £52million last summer with Matthijs de Ligt coming in for £42.9m from Bayern Munich.
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Ayden Heaven followed them in the January transfer window but Ruben Amorim's appointment means the Red Devils play a 3-4-3 meaning at least three central defenders are required to start.
Lisandro Martinez and Yoro have both suffered significant injuries this season with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans also joining them on the sidelines. Evans and Victor Lindelof are set to depart the club at the expiry of their contracts in June leaving United short at the back.
A number of centre-backs have been linked with a move to Old Trafford and Akcicek is the latest to join that list. Turkish outlet Fanatik has claimed the 19-year-old, who made his debut for Turkey recently, has played 15 times for Fenerbahce and is wanted by some of Europe's top teams.
Tottenham are said to have sent scouts to watch him in action with Bayern Munich, Napoli, Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig all considering a move. However, Fenerbahce are thought to be desperate to keep hold of the centre-back with talks over a long-term contract underway.
Yusuf Akcicek
Yusuf Akcicek has caught the attention of Man United this season
The report claims that should a big offer be presented to the Turkish giants they would be open to talks. Former United boss Jose Mourinho has gone as far to compare the left-footed centre-back to Raphael Varane following his display against Galatasaray.
"If he doesn't go well, you will kill me," he explained. "I know how it works. To play the kid in a match like that, I'm sorry for the word but he saved my ass.
"He was amazing. I'm very proud of him, I trust him. He's not perfect but he will be perfect.
"I don't want to compare him to Varane because he has won four Champions Leagues, World Cup and won everything. But I played Varane when he was 18 and I was not wrong. And I'm not wrong with this kid.
"[He has a ] big personality and is very confident."
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