Chelsea ‘admiring’ third Manchester United star after failed Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho attempts

Chelsea are reportedly keeping their eye on a third Manchester United star after their failed attempts to sign Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo last month.

Manchester United’s 2025 winter transfer window caused a lot of concern among the club’s fans when it was explained that almost every player within Rúben Amorim’s squad was up for sale for the right price.

Amid the club’s financial struggles, it was revealed that United would reluctantly be open to offers for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, as selling Academy products are represented as pure profit on the club’s balance sheets.

Of United’s squad, other reports stated that the only players the club considered as out of bounds were star attacker Amad and starlet centre-back Leny Yoro, who had signed from Lille for around £52 million in 2024.

With this news, it became clear that Premier League rival side Chelsea were looking to take advantage, and they immediately registered their interest in both Garnacho and Mainoo. However, they failed to make significant progress in landing either player despite significant interest in the former.

Chelsea are keeping tabs on third United star

While Chelsea retain a keen interest in Mainoo and Garnacho and will no doubt be keeping a close eye on developments at Old Trafford, it is said they are also admiring a third of United’s players.

United’s signing of Yoro grabbed much attention when they snatched the 19-year-old from the grasps of Real Madrid after many thought the French star was destined for Los Blancos.

However, with the Old Trafford club bettering the La Liga giant’s bid and convincing Yoro that he will be part of United’s long-term plans, Chelsea were also keen on the player.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, as relayed by The Chelsea Chronicle, despite Yoro’s move to United, Chelsea admire the the player and are keen on adding him to their ranks at some point.

He is said to be on their shortlist for the centre-back position should a move for him ever become possible.

Chelsea had been scouting Yoro ahead of his move to United and are said to be looking at Yoro as one of multiple defensive reinforcement possibilities, with Jarrad Branthwaite another option on the list.

Yoro may have a change in role this season

Although Yoro was initially brought in to play as a right centre-back in a back four under former manager Erik ten Hag, Amorim has been deploying him on the right of his back three system.

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However, against Leicester City in the FA Cup, Yoro played on the left-hand side during the second half, with Noussair Mazraoui failing to provide adequate cover for Lisandro Martínez during the opening 45 minutes.

With Martínez out for the rest of the season, Yoro may be the man who could cover for the Argentina international and play on the left – a position he has already explained he likes to play in.

“Of course, I’m right-footed so it’s more easy for me sometimes on the right but I really like to play on the left,” explained Yoro on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel last week.

“Because when I come inside I can put a long-ball to the striker or [play into] the middle. It’s no problem for me.”

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