Man Utd ready to splash the cash to beat Real Madrid to priority transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 24 Jun 2024 16:09 BST
4 min read

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United are willing to pay more than Real Madrid for Leny Yoro, according to a report.

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The Red Devils are one of the clubs keen on the Lille wonderkid, who has enjoyed a spectacular rise to fame over the past 12 months. A member of Ligue 1's Team of the Season, the centre-back is in high demand due to having just a year left to run on his contract.

Likened to a young Raphael Varane, the 18-year-old is essentially able to pick his next employer. In fact, he has already made his choice. According to Fabrizio Romano, the youngster informed Real Madrid of his desire to join them as a 'priority' in late 2023.

However, little concrete has thus far materialised, with Los Blancos previously focused on securing the signature of Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid are not prepared to pay over the odds for Yoro and have reportedly set themselves a clear limit of €40 million, while Lille are naturally keen for a bidding war to break out.

The teenager will be allowed to leave this summer, as confirmed by Lille's president, and it has been claimed that the Spanish giants will now 'activate Operation Yoro' following the news that captain Nacho Fernandez is set to sign for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. However, Man Utd are still in the frame.

Man Utd ready to splash the cash

Man Utd's summer business has been slow to get going. It took the club hierarchy several weeks to make a decision on Erik ten Hag's future and this cost them valuable time in the market.

Additionally, Man Utd are hamstrung by a restricted budget, meaning that they have been unable to secure the signatures of top targets Michael Olise and Jarrad Branthwaite. Yoro won't fetch the €80m+ that Everton are demanding for Branthwaite, but he will nevertheless not come cheap.

According to Ben Jacobs, Man Utd are willing to go beyond Real Madrid's €40m threshold in their bid to land Yoro, with Lille said to be holding out for as much as €60m.

Despite this, there is an acknowledgement in Manchester that they are essentially playing catch-up, with Yoro having his heart set on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. All hope is not lost for Man Utd and other suitors such as Liverpool and PSG, though.

Due to Real Madrid's unwillingness to pay over the odds, they could adopt the risky approach of not making a move and simply waiting. Los Blancos are confident that they can convince Yoro to see out his contract, but failure to act this summer could present Man Utd and company with an opportunity to pounce.