Manchester United scoop defender linked with Real Madrid
-Defender set to sign five year deal with option for a year
Manchester United are on the verge of signing Lille defender Leny Yoro, with a reported deal worth over £50m agreed between the clubs. The 18-year-old is reportedly flying to the UK for a medical after personal terms were agreed in principle as per Fabrizio Romano. Although Real Madrid initially appeared to be Yoro's preferred destination, United's met the asking price for Yoro with Lille and the United project seemed to help the young Frenchman make up his mind for the Red Devils.
Yoro made 41 appearances and scored three goals for Lille last season and is seen as a key addition to United's defence following the departures of Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala. The defender is expected to sign a five-year deal at the club and is seen as a long term investment considering he is just 18. Manager Erik ten Hag seemed to be inclined to sign two new central backs this summer, and Yoro's signing could be the first of these reinforcements.
ALSO READ: Manchester United sign French Forward
United have also shown interest in Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt. However, they have been swayed away by Everton’s asking price for Branthwaite. Matthijs de Ligt seems the likely addition to United, who previously excelled under ten Hag at Ajax. The recent sales of Willy Kambwala, Donny van de Beek, and Álvaro Fernández have provided some financial flexibility. However, Mason Greenwood is also expected to be sold to Marseille in a few days while Victor Lindelof is also likely to make the exit.
In addition to Yoro, United are keen on signing PSG's Manuel Ugarte, with a potential sale of Casemiro on the cards to the Saudi League to facilitate Ugarte’s arrival. With pre-season underway, United fans eagerly anticipate more signings before the transfer window closes. They believe the new hierarchy has improved the overall environment at Manchester United and can’t wait to see the club back to its glory.
ALSO READ: Manchester United vs Rosenborg: Results, Reactions and Insights