After Matthijs De Ligt, Manchester United Close to Signing 18-Year-Old Defender from Lille: Reports – News18
Younge French defender Leny Yoro (X)
Manchester United have already submitted a £42 million bid for Leny Yoro.
Manchester United are close to completing the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. While the deal is yet to be sealed, the Old Trafford hierarchy is reportedly interested in signing a talented young defender in this summer window. According to a report by the Mirror, Manchester United have already held talks with Lille to secure the signature of Leny Yoro. The 18-year-old has come under the radar of some other top European clubs including Real Madrid and Liverpool. United have already submitted a £42 million bid for Yoro. As per transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Lille have already shown a thumbs up to the proposal but Yoro will take the final call about his next destination.
A few days ago, a Le Parisian report claimed that Liverpool had turned their back on Leny Yoro, making it a two-horse race between Manchester United and Real Madrid. The outlet revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe would ask the player’s agent Jorge Mendes to convince him.
The youngster is understood to be more interested in joining the Spanish club, considering its current status. The Champions League winners, however, have not yet progressed further following their initial bid, which was reportedly turned down by Lille.
“Leny Yoro is taking his time to decide. The president of Lille, Olivier Letang, is insisting a lot, pushing a lot for Leny Yoro to accept the proposal from Manchester United because Man United are offering way more than Real Madrid – €50 million (£42m) plus add-ons. The player is still taking his time, with Real Madrid his biggest dream,” Fabrizio Romando said while sharing transfer updates on Playback.
When the transfer window opened, Paris Saint Germain was reportedly keen on landing Leny Yoro this summer. The French club has now shifted their entire focus to pursuing Joao Neves. Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag also wanted Neves for the upcoming campaign. PSG have a history of spending big money on players and the trend may continue for the Portuguese youngster.
In this situation, Manchester United can go all-out for Leny Yoro to strengthen the defence. If Real Madrid improves their bid in the coming days, the Red Devils are ready to submit their second offer, increasing the amount to £50.4 million.
