Manchester United are reportedly set to make an offer for Colombian international Yerry Mina, after being priced out of a move for primary target Harry Maguire.
If reports from The Sun are to be believed, Premier League giants Manchester United are plotting a £35 million move for Barcelona defender Yerry Mina.
It is no secret that Manchester United are looking to strengthen their backline ahead of the new season, that is set to kick off in less than two weeks. The Red Devils have been strongly linked with a move for Leicester City’s Harry Maguire, following the 25-year old’s successful 2017-18 season with the Foxes and his exceptional displays for England in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
However, Leicester are reluctant to lose another of their star players this summer and even if they concede defeat in their attempt of holding on to Maguire, signing the Englishman is likely to cost United in excess of £60 million. As a result, manager Jose Mourinho has decided to turn his attention towards Barcelona star Yerry Mina.
The 23-year old joined the La Liga champions from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras only in January this year, but did not get a lot of playing time, with Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen ahead of him in the pecking order. However, he made a strong impression in the World Cup for Colombia, finding the back of the net in all three of his appearances in Russia.
But, following the Catalans’ summer acquisition of Clement Lenglet from Sevilla, Mina has been deemed surplus to requirements and has been made available for transfer. Initially, Barcelona were understood to be looking at a fee of £50 million for the Colombian international, but have relaxed their stance on the price.
Manchester United are not the only club interested in the 23-year old though, with fellow Premier League outfit Everton also understood to be in the race. In fact, not very long ago, there were claims that the Toffees were on the verge of securing Mina’s signing in a £27 million deal.
Premier League newbies Wolves were also understood to be in the reckoning to make a loan move for the defender. However, they have since switched their attention to Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo and are closing in on a £25 million transfer for the Argentine.
Much like Maguire, the Colombian centre-half is an astute defender, possessing immense physical strength, while being comfortable with the ball at his feet and can be a real asset in set-piece situations. Moreover, the 23-year old proved in the summer’s World Cup that he has the ability to make it count on the biggest of stages.
Mina might not have the exposure of Premier League, but is younger than Maguire and is likely to cost half of what the Red Devils would have to pay Leicester City for the England international. It might be a move fraught with risk, but United should act quick if they are to secure his signing ahead of Everton.
