Manchester United have reaffirmed their interest in Lille defender Leny Yoro, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Writing in his Daily Briefing column, Romano said that the Red Devils “called” Lille within the last day or so to confirm they are keen on signing the 18-year-old this summer:
“On the centre-back issue, I can reveal that United called Lille again in the last 24-48 about Leny Yoro, to make all parties aware of their interest.”
“Yoro himself is pushing for Real Madrid, while there is also interest from Liverpool and PSG, but United have made it clear that they would like to enter the story in case any deal with Real Madrid collapses.”
Real remain the favourites to sign Yoro
As Romano mentions, United are aware that they are not the player’s preferred destination. A lot hinges on what Real Madrid do next.
The European champions have not entered formal negotiations with Lille, but they are trying to lower Yoro’s price. He is currently valued at €60m (£51m) but, with just a year left on his contract, Real believe they can get him for a lot less.
They also feel they have a strong bargaining position, with the centre-half having made his feelings clear on who he wants to join.
Where does this leave United in their search for a centre-back?
Despite the interest in Yoro, it’s probably wise for the club not to put all of their eggs in one basket, especially as they know the teenager is keener on a move elsewhere.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is still on the club’s radar, but the issue with that deal is the asking price. The Toffees have so far refused to back down on their £70m valuation.
The Red Devils could consider alternatives such as Juventus’s Gleison Bremer, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bayer Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
