It seems inevitable that Manchester United will sign a new centre back this summer, the question now is simply, who will it be?
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite seems to be the first choice, but the two clubs remain far apart in their valuations. OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo looks to have been ruled out due to UEFA rules on transfers in multi-club ownership situations, while generational talent Leny Yoro has reportedly pledged his future to Real Madrid and agreed personal terms, even if it means waiting until his contract at LOSC Lille expires next summer.
However, United have clearly not given up on Yoro, as transfer guru Fabrizio Romano points out today in his Daily Briefing.
Romano writes that:
“I can reveal that United called Lille again in the last 24-48 about Leny Yoro, to make all parties aware of their interest.
“Yoro himself is pushing for Real Madrid, while there is also interest from Liverpool and PSG, but United have made it clear that they would like to enter the story in case any deal with Real Madrid collapses.
“So now it’s on Real Madrid – if they want to do what it takes to close the deal, then Yoro will go there as they’re his preferred destination.”
It is interesting that Romano is not going so far as to say Yoro would refuse to go to any other club if Madrid do not come knocking.
The Merengues have their own financial restrictions this year and are reportedly not keen on meeting Lille’s asking price for Yoro, believed to be in excess of €60 million. A figure of around half of that has been mooted.
On the other hand, the news this week that Nacho is leaving for Qatar leaves los Blancos with a gap to fill in defence and it is no secret that they would like to get their hands on the 18 year old.
Madrid may try to use the same tactic which brought them the likes of Kylian Mbappe and David Alaba on a free transfer, by asking Yoro to see out the last year of his contract. But Lille are not Paris Saint Germain or Bayern Munich and can ill afford to let one of their biggest assets walk out of the club for nothing.
With little chance of Yoro signing an extension, Lille will be desperate to sell.
If Madrid do not move this summer and the player can be persuaded to look elsewhere, United still have work to do, with Liverpool also keen on finding an heir to Virgil van Dijk at the heart of their defence.
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