Manchester United are close to sealing the signing of Lille defender Leny Yoro after fending off competition from Real Madrid, talkSPORT understands….READ FULL ARTICLE...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
The Red Devils had a £52million bid for 18-year-old Yoro accepted earlier this month but the centre-back initially preferred a move to Real.
However, Yoro is now flying into the UK to undergo a medical and to finalse personal terms with United after positive talks.
Man United’s trump card is that Real wanted to wait until next summer to sign Yoro.
Should the deal get done, Yoro would become the fifth most expensive teenager ever, narrowly ahead of the £51m United paid for a then 19-year-old Anthony Martial in 2015.
Only Romeo Lavia, Matthijs de Ligt, Joao Felix, and at £154m, record holder Kylian Mbappe commanded higher fees as teenagers.
The expected signing of Yoro means United are now unlikely to pursue their interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite after having two offers rejected
for the £70m-rated England international.
Man United boss Erik ten Hag is on the hunt for a new defender with Raphael Varane leaving earlier in the summer and Harry Maguire in the final year of his contract – although there is an option for the England defender’s deal to be extended by a year.
It was a tough season defensively for Man United, who conceded 58 Premier League goals last season, which is one more than they scored.
And perhaps he’s found the answer in Yoro, who has been likened to Virgil van Dijk.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a superb season with Lille, who came fourth in French top flight Ligue 1 last season.
Yoro made his debut for Lille aged just 16, leapfrogging Chelsea legend Eden Hazard in becoming the second youngest player to play for Lille.
This news will delight Man United legend Rio Ferdinand, who pleaded with the player to make the switch to Old Trafford.
“There’s an 18-year-old, I’d love him to come to Manchester United,” Ferdinand told FIVE.
“If you’re watching Leny Yoro, please accept Man United,” the former Red Devils defender pleaded. “Man United please make the offer and please accept because with this kid, his ceiling is as high as anybody right now, [William] Saliba included.
“Physically, he’s not as developed (as Saliba) but he’s a different type of centre-half. He’s quick, he tries to nibble and get in front. He can play, he’s tall and mobile.”
As well as representing Lille, Yoro has played for France at youth level for several age groups; under-17, 18, 19 and 21.
Yoro would become the second major signing of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.
Joshua Zirkzee was United’s maiden summer signing
and their first since British billionaire Ratcliffe completed his purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake of the club in February.
United confirmed the signing of striker Zirkzee from Bologna at the weekend, paying £36million for the Netherlands international.
It could be a big summer of spending for United, who are also keen on another Dutchman – defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood is set to leave the club, while Scott McTominay is attracting much interest…READ FULL ARTICLE.
