The Transfers Podcast: Leny Yoro details, James Trafford to Newcastle & Eddie Howe to England?

Cameron Smith

19 Jul 2024 12:30 BST
5 min read

The Transfers Podcast, Leny Yoro, Eddie Howe — © IMAGO

The Transfers Podcast, powered by FootballTransfers.com and hosted by Duncan Castles, brings you the latest news and insight from the world of football.

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Here is a detailed looked at the key headlines discussed from this week’s episode.

Leny Yoro to Man Utd details

Manchester United have officially completed the signing of Lille defender Leny Yoro in a huge statement of intent from INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The 18-year-old was wanted by Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but Man Utd moved quickly after agreeing a fee with Lille and he was announced as a Red Devils player on Thursday.

Duncan Castles told The Transfers Podcast: “Real Madrid believed they had the player's commitment to go there, that his preference was to go to Real Madrid.

“They had been lowballing Lille on their offers and threatening to wait until next year, when Yoro’s contract at Lille expired, and taking him on a free transfer, which is a pretty standard Real Madrid transfer strategy these days.

“[However] Manchester United agreed an initial €62m deal, with another €8m of, what are described to me as, easily achievable bonuses. So Yoro is expected to cost a total fee of €70m.

“Man Utd will also pay Yoro a very substantial salary. I have been told that he was asking for a basic €7m contract with substantial bonuses on top of that.

“So it’s a big investment in a player who's considered to be one of the top young talents at centre back.”

Eddie Howe to England?

Eddie Howe is regarded as the strong favourite to land the England manager job following the departure of Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024, The Transfers Podcast can reveal.

The English Football Association are expected to take up to three months to decide on a new manager after Southgate stood down from the role having led the Three Lions to the European Championship final.

We also understand that Mauricio Pochettino is interested in taking the role, having worked alongside current FA technical director John McDermott at Tottenham.

Jose Mourinho was another name proposed to the FA ahead of Euro 2024 but his appointment is now considered unlikely after his move to Fenerbahce.

The FA could even opt to wait and see if Pep Guardiola becomes available when his Manchester City contract concludes next summer.

In that case they could seek to appoint an interim candidate - such as U21 manager Lee Carsley - in the meantime.

James Trafford to Newcastle?

James Trafford has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United, but The Transfers Podcast understands that Burnley’s asking price has not yet been matched.

“As I understand it, Newcastle remain interested in the player,” Duncan Castles revealed. “They will continue to pursue a deal if they are able to negotiate an acceptable number from Burnley.

JAMES TRAFFORD YOU HERO 🌟

He saves Ruiz's penalty in the dying moments 😱#YoungLions | #U21EURO | #C4Football pic.twitter.com/t0CvZGhf1O
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) July 8, 2023

“My information is that Burnley are expecting a fee of £30 million in total, and they are in a position where they are able to retain Trafford and play him in the Championship this season.”

Other news

The Transfers Podcast also covered the following news this week:

- Newcastle United’s change of direction

- Why Ipswich Town are spending big

- Fulham’s Scott McTominay bid

Stay tuned to the Transfers Podcast for more in-depth analysis, and follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates in the world of football.