Man Utd now want to sign La Liga winner, he's asking for £99,000 per week - report

Manchester United are aiming to sign another central defender before the transfer window closes on August 30.

Leny Yoro joined the club from Lille last month, but the teenager will not make his competitive debut until November after undergoing foot surgery.

The unfortunate setback for the 18-year-old is expected to force the Red Devils into pursuing another central defensive signing before the transfer deadline.

According to El Sevillista journalist Maximo de la Cruz, the club have initiated contact with Mario Hermoso, who is a free agent after his departure from Atletico Madrid.

Negotiations are in the initial phase. The versatile defender is eyeing a three-year deal with a gross salary of £5.15 million per year which equates to £99,000 per week.

Hermoso would be a good short-term signing for United

The Spanish centre-back made 45 appearances for Atletico last season, registering two goals and two assists. He averaged more than 84 minutes per appearance.

Despite this, the 29-year-old walked away at the end of his contract on June 30. He would be a good short-term signing for the Red Devils.

United have a limited budget at the moment and it seems unlikely they will afford the £43m asking price to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern this summer.

This could urge the club to pursue a stop-gap signing. Hermoso appears an ideal fit as he is a free agent. His wage demands should be easily affordable for United.

The 2020/21 La Liga winner is a strong ball-playing centre-back. He had a passing accuracy of 87 percent in La Liga last term. He also averaged 5.4 recoveries, 2.6 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game.

Hermoso won 55% of his duels and helped to keep eight clean sheets. The ex-Espanyol star can also operate from left-back where he has made over 50 appearances in his career.

United are known to be searching for a new left-back due to the fitness issues surrounding Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. It appears a no-brainer to sign Hermoso on a Bosman deal.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.