Real Madrid identify Leny Yoro backup target | OneFootball

The powers that be at La Liga giants Real Madrid have already identified an alternative target, in the case of the club’s pursuit of Leny Yoro falling through.

That’s according to Diario AS, who have on Thursday provided an insight into the latest developments behind the scenes in Spain’s capital.

It is of course common knowledge across the continent that Real Madrid have identified the heart of the club’s defence as being in dire need of reinforcement this summer.

The priority target on the part of Florentino Pérez and co, in turn, is the aforementioned Leny Yoro.

Should Lille’s considerable demands, along with the intense competition for the 18-year-old, prove enough to see Los Blancos miss out, however, they have already put a contingency plan in place.

As per AS, as much revolves around a former member of the youth ranks in Spain’s capital:

‘If the transfer of Yoro is not achieved this summer, the Madrid club has a list of alternatives in which the first name is that of an old acquaintance of the White House: Mario Gila.’

Gila, for his part, is currently plying his trade in Serie A with Lazio, whom he joined from none other than Real Madrid back in 2022.

The Spanish champions maintain 50% of his ownership rights, and could move to buy Lazio out of their half of Gila’s terms, in the case of the Yoro operation falling through.

Gila is fresh off a fine campaign in Italy’s capital, and is considered a viable stop-gap solution, if no.1 target Yoro gives his word to making the move to the Bernabéu on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.

Conor Laird | GSFN