Man Utd boosted in Yoro pursuit as Real Madrid consider 'plan B

Suraj Radia

• 11 Jul 2024 12:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United’s persistence in their approach for Leny Yoro has forced Real Madrid to consider alternatives options in case they miss out on the Lille wonderkid.

Yoro is wanted by a host of Europe’s top sides and United are believed to have had an offer of around €50 million accepted by Lille for the 18-year-old.

However, Yoro is thought to be holding out for a move to Real Madrid, although the La Liga giants are unwilling to match United’s bid, having only offered an initial fee of €35m.

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Real are hoping that Yoro convinces Lille to accept a lower bid from his preferred side, with the motivation that the teenager could opt to see out the final 12 months of his contract and leave on a free next summer.

Lille are urging Yoro to accept United’s offer and, while Real are willing to wait to sign the defender, SPORT claim that a ‘plan B’ is already being considered in the event they miss out on the teenager.

Should Yoro prove too expensive, the club will consider either promoting Alvaro Carrillo from Castilla or re-signing Mario Gila from Lazio.

Real look to academy prospects as Yoro alternatives

Real are looking to replace Nacho, who left for the Saudi Pro League this summer and Yoro has long-been identified as the club’s top target to succeed their captain.

Of the alternatives, Carillo would be less ideal as he is inexperienced despite captaining the Castilla team, having only played once in the Copa del Rey for Real’s senior side.

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Gila left Real for Lazio two years ago but has progressed rapidly during his time in Italy, with teams such as Leverkusen, Juventus and Inter said to be monitoring him.

Real are thought to have 50% of Gila’s rights after his €6m move in 2022 and they would have preference if Lazio were to cash in on the 23-year-old.

However, Yoro still remains the priority for Real and it is unlikely they will let their top target join United, although the Premier League side will be optimistic at the progress being made towards a deal so far.