Man Utd 'send scouts to Turkey' to watch new defender target during international break

Manchester United reportedly sent scouts to watch Turkey under-20 starlet Ali Sahin Yılmaz play against England. The Trabzonspor defender is said to have impressed during a 1-1 draw in the Elite League clash.

United are claimed to be monitoring Yilmaz’s situation, although Trabzonspor could still demand a big fee as the 20-year-old has three years remaining on his contract. Reports in Turkey suggest that ‘positive reports’ about the player have been returned to United.

According to Turkish publication Milliyet, United scouted Yilmaz in his match against England, taking the rare opportunity to get a proper look at the Trabzon-born ace. He is yet to make his senior debut for Trabzonspor but has appeared on the bench three times this season.

Yilmaz’s development was stalled by a series of injuries last season. He missed 17 matches for Trabzonspor’s U19 team.

INEOS chiefs have been clear that they are refocusing their transfer plans on younger stars who can be developed into top talent. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has bemoaned an historic club culture of over-paying for ready-made elite talent.

The British billionaire, who acquired 27.7 per cent of United earlier this year, wants to cut out the middle man and sign emerging players who are yet to be identified by their top-flight rivals. Yilmaz would certainly fall under that category.

INEOS oversaw a relatively successful first transfer window in charge of United’s sporting operation. Around £200m was spent on new signings, while half of that figure was recouped in deals for players on the fringes of Erik ten Hag’s first 11, such as Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Greenwood.

United are unlikely to need any major surgery at centre-back over the coming transfer windows unless a player departs. Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt were both signed ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season, while the Red Devils already boast the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire among their ranks.

Manuel Ugarte, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee also arrived at Old Trafford during the summer. All three players are expected to be long-term options for Ten Hag.

The United boss is already facing pressure over his own future, though. A disappointing start to the season has seen the Red Devils take just three points from their first three matches. Last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Liverpool was met with boos by the Old Trafford crowd.