Manchester United are desperately looking to improve their defensive line. In the 2023/24 season, the Red Devils conceded 58 goals resulting them to finish on 8th position in the Premier League. Raphael Varane has already left the club as a free agent after his contract expired last month. Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, both have their future uncertain at the club. Lindelof’s contract will expire next year but United want to part ways with him this summer in an effort to achieve some profit. Fenerbahce are interested in the Sweedish international. Erik Ten Hag’s side are looking to sign atleast two defenders this season which will play alongside Harry Maguire and Lisando Martinez. In that effort, United are monitoring Matthijs De Ligt, Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro.
Leny Yoro attracting two of the greatest clubs in Europe
Leny Yoro has emerged as the regular starter for Lille in the recent years. Despite being on 18 years old, he has made 60 appearances for the French side. Yoro is Lille’s second youngest player ever after he overtook Eden Hazard. Manchester United and Real Madrid have monitored the defender and are both interested to achieve his services.
Manchester United submitted a bid of £42 million which has been accepted by Lille. However it was revealed that Yoro prefers a move to Santiago Bernabeu. Lille want Yoro to join Red Devils because Madrid want to buy the defender on a discounted price. Its been reported that Madrid are willing to pay only £17 million. Later it was also revealed that Madrid are putting pressure on Lille by forcing them to accept this deal or lose Yoro as a free agent next year after his current contract gets expired. Los Blancos preparing for future are reported to offer Yoro a long term contract until 2030.
Yoro responds to United rumours
After Man United’s offer of £42 million got accepted by Lille, a account on X formerly known as twitter impersonated to be Leny Yoro. They tweeted ‘I don’t want you Manchester United. Leave me alone’. The tweet became instantly viral. Due to recent rumours of Yoro not interested in move to Old Trafford, everyone believed that it was really Yoro’s account.
However the 18 year old has hit back and tweeted a response on his official Twitter account. This response has provided United fans with a little hope that the 18 year old defender may actually join Red Devils.
Despite Yoro’s positive response, United still look behind in the race. It is believed that the Red Devils are unable to convince Yoro with a move to Old Trafford as the youngster’s heart is set to join Real Madrid according to Marca. United have already had their bid accepted by Lille and may prepare to announce Yoro as a new Red Devils once the personal terms are agreed.
United’s other two options
Matthijs De Ligt is very close to join Manchester United. The personal terms between the player and the club are already agreed. In addition, the Dutchman is interested to join only United as he wants to rejoin his former coach Erik Ten Hag. Bayern Munich are prepared to part ways with De Ligt and are demanding £42 million. Red Devils are prepared to pay Munich their desired price and finally welcome De Ligt to Old Trafford.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s move to United is however more difficult. Everton quickly rejected the £35 million opening bid from United. Now the Red Devils have made another bid of £45 million along with £5 million add-ons. However, this bid is also likely to get rejected by Everton. Everton want United to pay £70 million for the 22 year old defender.
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