After conceding 85 goals in all competitions and finishing with a negative goal difference for the first time in the Premier League era, it is evident that Manchester United need to enhance their defensive options.
Raphael Varane has already declared his departure, while both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been rumored to depart. Veteran Jonny Evans might be retained but primarily as a mentor rather than a backup option according to recent reports.
This implies that more than one centre-back may be sought after, and according to AS, Leny Yoro is a prime target for the Red Devils, who have recently made a substantial bid for the Lille star.
As reported by The Peoples Person, arch-rivals Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in securing his services.
Yoro race
However, Real Madrid are considered favorites to sign the 18-year-old prodigy. Yoro himself has expressed a strong desire to play for Real Madrid.
The stumbling block is that Los Blancos are unwilling to meet Lille’s €60 million asking price and are only willing to offer a maximum of €40 million.
This suggests that Manchester United may have the upper hand, but the French U21 international could disrupt their plans. Even if Lille were to accept the English club’s bid, Yoro has shown no inclination to move anywhere other than the Bernabeu.
According to the Spanish outlet, there is a possibility that the Golden Boy nominee could stand firm and with his contract expiring in 2025, potentially leave as a free agent to join the Spanish giants.
“Real Madrid are firm on not exceeding 40 million, but Lille has already received much higher offers. PSG and Manchester United have made moves (the latter being very serious, having already offered an amount very close to the 60 million requested at Pierre-Mauroy).
“Madrid wants the player, but they will not match the figures that others are offering. It is clear that they will not engage in a bidding war.
“Madrid will offer, at most, 40 million and from there, Yoro and Lille will make the decision. The club reserves the right to decline, but the player also reserves the right not to depart. This is what is being suggested at the Bernabeu.
Real remain in the lead
“If Lille is inclined to sell him to another club, the player himself can intervene and indicate that he only wants to go to Madrid, even if it means staying for another season, worst-case scenario. This means he could see out his contract and then decide as a free agent.”
This would be a significant blow to the Ligue 1 club, and they cannot afford such a costly oversight. Real has previously emerged victorious in similar situations where their bid was lower than other offers.
Unless Manchester United can present an irresistible offer to Lille and persuade Yoro to reconsider his preference for Spain and instead opt to play at the Theater of Dreams, it seems history may repeat itself.
The pursuit of Yoro is expected to have many twists and turns. With the immense interest he has attracted, this transfer saga could become one of the highlights of the summer.
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