Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has urged the club to prioritise signing Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi over Youri Tielemans and Bruno Guimaraes, describing the £85m-rated Moroccan as a potential 'best in the world' midfielder.
Yorke's midfield preference
Speaking to betting site British Gambler, the former United striker said: 'Youri Tielemans? He is a very solid player who has the experience of playing in the Premier League, and he captains his national team. I prefer him ahead of other options, except for Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco. He would be my first choice.'
United have been linked with several midfielders this summer following Casemiro's departure. Aston Villa's Tielemans has a £35m release clause, while Newcastle's Guimaraes has also been heavily touted. However, Yorke believes Bouaddi, who impressed at the World Cup, is the standout candidate.
Bouaddi's potential
'Bouaddi from Morocco, the young kid, he is that player. I watched him closely at this World Cup and he looked remarkable in games like against Brazil. He is young. He is a real project,' Yorke added. 'I would spend money on Bouaddi because he has the potential to be the best in the world.'
The 19-year-old Lille star is valued at £85m and has attracted interest from several top clubs. Yorke insists that for £100m, a player must be exceptional, and Bouaddi fits that bill.
Criticism of transfer fees
Yorke expressed bewilderment at modern transfer fees, stating: 'I don't know where these figures have suddenly come from. It's a consistent thing now for anybody who is half decent to be valued at £100 million. That's the market. But you've got to be exceptional when you're a player worth £100 million and up.'
He questioned the value of players like Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, saying: 'Are you really telling me that Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and the rest of them are exceptional players? They're good players. That's all.'
United's squad needs
Yorke believes United need four or five new signings to compete on all fronts. 'With Champions League football this season, and all the other games coming his way this time round, United have to strengthen the squad,' he said. 'Fixing the spine of the team is the key. I'd like to see United sign another number nine. Obviously they need to replace Casemiro. I think they may also need another central defender.'
He also addressed the situation with Marcus Rashford, asking: 'Is he a United player or not? That's another situation we need to deal with as well.'
Guimaraes not the answer
Yorke is unconvinced by Bruno Guimaraes, despite the Newcastle captain being linked with a move. 'I don't know about Bruno Guimaraes. I'm not sure he has been that impressive,' he said. 'I watched him play for Brazil at the World Cup and he's not convinced me. I think he's good. He's shown that at Newcastle United. He's got a good work ethic. But is that what you're paying for when you sign a player to come to Manchester United? A good work ethic?'
He added: 'Give me Bouaddi any day of the week ahead of those guys.'
