Man Utd & Chelsea handed surprise boost in 'next Varane' pursuit

Cameron Smith

• 19 Mar 2024 10:34 CDT
• 3 min read

Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed a surprise boost in their pursuit of Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro, who has been labelled as ‘the next Raphael Varane.’

Yoro, 18, is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young players and he has been heavily linked with a big-money move away.

Some of the continent’s biggest clubs are interested in signing him once the 2023-24 campaign concludes and recent reports from Spain state that Yoro has communicated his desire to join Real Madrid this summer.

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Los Blancos have identified the French teenager as one of their priority transfer targets, with the Spanish giants aiming to sign Yoro, Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies ahead of next season.

However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on claims that Yoro currently views Real Madrid as his dream destination.

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What has Fabrizio Romano said?

Romano told his DailyBriefing column: “Leny Yoro remains one to watch as one of the top young talents on the market for the summer, as I’ve previously mentioned. Manchester United are one of the clubs who’ve scouted him, and I expect PSG to return for him after targeting him in January.

“There’s been fresh speculation that Yoro himself is now leaning towards Real Madrid as his next destination, and while it’s true that Yoro considers Real Madrid as a fantastic destination, for sure, still no decision has been made or communicated yet.

“It will be crucial to understand how much Lille will ask for in the summer, with their president to decide that later. My understanding is that PSG are also still there and that the story remains open, but Real Madrid have been there since October and will be there in the summer for sure.”

Romano also added that clubs in England remain interested in Yoro, with Chelsea and Man Utd expected to reappear in the race to sign the highly-rated teenager. With a move to Real Madrid not guaranteed, it leaves the door open for both Premier League giants to pursue a move for the Lille starlet.