Man Utd make first move for Real Madrid target Leny Yoro

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 Jun 2024 20:45 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United have taken the first step towards recruiting Leny Yoro, according to a report.

The transfer saga surrounding the Lille wonderkid continues. Europe's most in-demand centre-back after a breakout season in Ligue 1, which saw him rewarded with Team of the Season honours, Yoro is expected to be on the move this summer.

Due to being out of contract next year, the 18-year-old will be allowed to leave Lille this summer, as confirmed by club president Olivier Letang last week. The question is: Where will he end up?

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Thus far, little concrete has materialised on the transfer front for Yoro. While interest from several clubs has been well-established for weeks and, indeed, months, there is an acknowledgement that it will be difficult to land him.

That is because Yoro has his heart set on joining Real Madrid. However, Los Blancos have yet to decide what to do this summer. While Lille are hoping for a bidding war, Real Madrid don't want to break the bank and are content with potentially taking the gamble of trying to convince the teenager to see out his contract.

Man Utd make contact

Liverpool are the club to have been heavily linked with Yoro, though Fabrizio Romano has insisted that the youngster will only give consideration to the Reds' project in case Real Madrid refuse to make a move this summer.

Additionally, PSG and Man Utd are in the frame, though Romano stated on Thursday evening that the latter had yet to do more than simply register their interest. This, however, appears to have changed now.

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According to Sky Sports, Man Utd have now formally made contact with the player's camp in what represents their first concrete move towards recruiting the wonderkid.

This is likely due to the fact that it is looking increasingly unlikely that Everton will budge from their hefty, €80+ million valuation of top target Jarrad Branthwaite. Man Utd have also seen their hopes of landing Jean-Clair Todibo crushed by UEFA, who have told them that they can't do business with sister club Nice.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to bring in two major signings before the start of pre-season, but it remains to be seen whether Man Utd will be able to convince Yoro to snub Real Madrid.