Manchester United may need to sign another left-sided defender this summer but one potential target may now end up being a real focus for Real Madrid.
Ruben Amorim is still seeking consistency after watching another Jekyll and Hyde performance from Manchester United on Saturday.
United were 2-0 down at half time against Everton and had been truly dire in the first half at Goodison Park.
Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte found the net to rescue a point though, and United could have even won it having created some fine openings.
Amorim won’t be happy with huge parts of that performance but the United manager is no doubt just looking to get to the summer and change this squad up.
Signings are hugely important this summer and United need reinforcements in a number of areas after Ineos sanctioned a £100million net spend last summer.
Manchester United target wanted by Real Madrid
Fans are looking for attacking signings and United are interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Another defender may well be needed though with Lisandro Martinez facing a lengthy injury lay-off.
United signed Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in January but United may need to sign another left-sided defender who can make an immediate Premier League impact.
Reports earlier in February suggested that United are keen on RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, though his £75million release clause may be a problem.
The Mirror now claim that Lukeba is, sadly, expected to be out of United’s reach this summer.
It’s stated that Lukeba is of ‘great admiration’ inside Old Trafford but will be too expensive unless major funds are raised through player sales.
Another issue surrounds the competition for Lukeba with Real Madrid now believed to be chasing his signature for the summer.
Real want Arsenal’s William Saliba but are ready to pivot to fellow Frenchman Lukeba if the Gunners – as expected – block a departure.
Beating Real would be a tough ask and United just can’t really afford to splash £75million on a left-sided defender when so many other positions need strengthening.
Who is United target Castello Lukeba?
Lukeba hails from Lyon and came up through the Olympique Lyonnais academy ranks.
After 68 first-team appearances, Lukeba was sold to RB Leipzig in 2023 – and the 22-year-old defender has gone from strength to strength.
Left-footed centre backs in-demand in the modern game and it’s easy to see why Lukeba is attracting so much interest.
Quick, strong and comfortable on the ball, Lukeba isn’t the biggest defender at 6ft tall but he makes up for it elsewhere.
Lukeba has played prominently on the left of a back three at RB Leipzig, which lends itself perfectly to playing in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1.
Martinez’s injury may force United into a move, but it’s difficult to see Lukeba being the man to arrive despite his huge talent and potential.