Leny Yoro: David Ornstein confirms Man Utd medical, Real Madrid snubbed

Suraj Radia

• 17 Jul 2024 11:00 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have taken a huge step towards beating Real Madrid to the signing of Leny Yoro, with the Lille wonderkid set to travel to England for a medical, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Yoro had been holding out for a move to Real, however the Champions League winners have so far been reluctant in making their move, with Lille’s asking price deemed too high.

Real’s hesitancy has allowed United to swoop in and Lille are understood to have accepted an offer worth an initial €62 million from Erik ten Hag’s side.

READ MORE: Yoro - the 'Mbappe of defenders' able to return Man Utd to the Champions League

Yoro will now travel to Old Trafford to hold talks over personal terms, with the 18-year-old still to be convinced over a move to United.

Lille had encouraged Yoro to take United’s offer in order to avoid the defender leaving on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires.

Yoro is said to have warmed to the idea of joining United but The Athletic state that there is still ‘work to be done’ before a move is secured, however this development is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils.

How have Man Utd moved ahead of Real Madrid in the race for Yoro?

Real had seen Yoro as the long-term solution to their defensive issues, with the La Liga giants seeing the vast majority of their centre-backs suffering long-term injuries or being on the wrong side of 30.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side had extensively scouted Yoro and had hoped that the player’s desire to join the club would help drive down his asking price.

READ MORE: Man Utd’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

Real were only understood to have offered around €30m for Yoro and were planning to sign the youngster on a free transfer next summer if Lille’s demands proved excessive.

However, their hand could be forced by United’s aggressive approach and the Premier League side could end up emerging victorious unless Real make their own improved offer in the coming days.