Lille’s Leny Yoro expected to reject Manchester United in favour of joining Real Madrid | OneFootball

Lille star Leny Yoro is reportedly set to turn down Manchester United in favour of sealing a transfer to La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Yoro is believed to be a key target for United in their efforts to bolster the backline ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season.

The Frenchman’s name is part of a list also consisting of other defensive targets such as Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich) and Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton).

Last week, it emerged that United offered Lille €50m (£42m) for Yoro – an offer that was deemed satisfactory by the Ligue 1 outfit and was subsequently accepted.

It was stated that the Red Devils’ package was significantly superior to what Real Madrid were willing to put on the table for Yoro.

The problem is that the 18-year-old’s wish is to join Los Blancos and it has even been previously suggested that he’s prepared to wait an additional 12 months – when his contract with Lille expires – for his desire to be realised.

Yoro seemed to hit back at claims he’s not at all interested in a switch to Old Trafford. A recent report covered by The Peoples Person reinforced this perspective by revealing that the defender has been left impressed with United’s relentless approach to secure his signature.

However, it seems that United’s efforts were not enough if a fresh update provided by L’Equipe (via GFFN) is anything to go by.

It’s understood that Yoro is not responsive to the Red Devils’ courtship and he’s prepared to reject their advances.

The report notes that Yoro is not particularly enthused by the prospect of playing in the Premier League, which would explain why Liverpool cooled their interest in him.

It was initially thought that Paris Saint-Germain had dropped out of the race for Yoro but L’Equipe insist that the French champions are ready to pounce in case the teenager expresses a willingness to remain in his home country.

PSG president Nasser Al Khelaïfi apparently believes that Yoro’s agent, Jorge Mendes, would “move heaven and earth” to secure his client a transfer to Carlo Ancelotti’s side as it would help claim back some influence in the Spanish capital.

A conflicting report by journalist Matteo Moretto in his daily briefing however appears to point out that Yoro has not made a decision and United may still land him.

Moretto wrote, “Real Madrid started concrete talks with Lille for Yoro last week, but currently they are not close to agreeing a price. As we have said on many occasions, knowing that Yoro is out of contract next summer, Real Madrid are really keen not to throw more money than necessary at this deal. In addition, they know he continues to prioritise Real Madrid.”

“Manchester United offered a very high amount, that with bonuses, was in excess of €50m. Lille are pressuring Yoro to go to Manchester United. It all comes down to Yoro really – if he digs his heels in and continues to hold out for Real Madrid, or if he changes his mind and accepts an offer from United, which is what Lille want him to do.”

“Right now, United are speaking with Lille though too, rather than with Yoro’s agent. Last week I can say that Real Madrid were very relaxed about it, knowing they are Yoro’s priority – we’ll see what happens.”

Yoro made 32 top-flight appearances during the 2023/24 season. In that time, he helped Lille keep 15 clean sheets.

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