MANCHESTER UNITED have "made contact" with Lille over the signing of defender Leny Yoro, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag's men saw a £35million bid rejected by Everton for centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite earlier this month.
And the Toffees appear to be holding firm with their £70m valuation of the Englishman - who made Gareth Southgate's provisional squad for Euro 2024 but ultimately failed to make the final cut.
According to Sky Sports, Man Utd will not make another attempt to sign Branthwaite, 21, unless they are given assurances by Everton that they are willing to negotiate on the £70m fee.
The Red Devils are now looking at alternative options as they try to avoid a lengthy saga involving Branthwaite.
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Frenchman Yoro, 18, is one of those at the front of the queue after an impressive season with Lille.
The talented youngster made his debut for the Ligue 1 club just one day after his 16th birthday.
He has already racked up 60 first-team games and broken through into France's U21 side.
Yoro is also expected to feature for his country at their home Olympic Games this summer.
Man Utd are in need of reinforcements at centre-half after Raphael Varane was released at the end of his contract.
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Victor Lindelof is also being linked with a move away as Fenerbahce monitor him closely.
Ten Hag's side conceded 58 goals in the Premier League last season - seven more than Branthwaite's Everton despite finishing seven places higher.
Speculation over a change in manager was quashed two weeks ago following Man Utd's triumph in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City.
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