Man United 'receive' major boost in Leny Yoro pursuit

By Ben Sully | 07 July 2024

Transfer boost: Man United 'receive' renewed hope in Yoro pursuit

Manchester United reportedly receive a boost in their bid to sign Lille defender Leny Yoro, who is a target for European champions Real Madrid.

Manchester United have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Lille defender Leny Yoro.

The 18-year-old is attracting significant interest after establishing himself as a regular fixture in the Lille side last summer.

Yoro featured in 44 competitive matches during the 2023-24 season, including 32 appearances in the French top flight.

The youngster ultimately played his part in Lille's fourth-place finish, securing the Ligue 1 club a spot in Champions League qualifying.

However, it appears unlikely that Yoro will be part of that European journey, with the defender widely expected to leave Lille this summer.

Lille defender Leny Yoro in action with Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe in February 2023 © Reuters

Man United given hope in Yoro pursuit

Yoro has entered the final year of his contract and has ruled out the prospect of signing a new deal with the French side.

As a result, Lille are prepared to sanction a summer sale amid interest from several European giants, including Man United and Real Madrid.

Yoro is believed to be favouring a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, making Real Madrid the favourites to secure his signature.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the European champions are reluctant to meet Lille's asking price, providing a boost to Man United's hopes of landing the teenager.

Real Madrid are only willing to pay €20m (£17m) up front which is considerably lower than Lille's €40m (£34m) asking price.

Man United are believed to be willing to meet Lille's demands, but they are still facing competition from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, who are also ready to pay the €40m (£34m) fee.

Manchester United's Erik ten Hag celebrates in August 2023 © Reuters

Man United targeting defensive additions

The Red Devils have already seen Raphael Varane depart this summer, while there is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Man United are likely to listen to offers for both Maguire and Lindelof, especially as they are looking to bring in two new centre-backs this summer.

They are believed to be making progress in their bid to recruit Bayern Munich defender Mattijs de Ligt, who previously worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.

They have also been heavily linked with a move for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, who is believed to be frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations.