Leny Yoro has opted to join Manchester United because he feels Real Madrid won’t match the Red Devils’ proposal, according to reports.
The Lille centre-back enjoyed a terrific season last term, making 32 Ligue 1 appearances as his team finished fourth in the table.
Yoro has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the LaLiga and Champions League holders eyeing younger talent to accompany the likes of Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.
However, United are now set to sign the defender instead. The deal is worth an initial £52million but could rise to £58.7m with add-ons.
Leny Yoro transfer news: Lille star is set to join Man Utd instead of Real Madrid
GETTY/PA
Yoro had wanted to join Real Madrid. That was his preference at the start of the summer.
But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed the 18-year-old has now performed a U-turn.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “In the recent days he had the clear feeling that Real Madrid were not going to match the proposal of Manchester United.
“Real never told Leny Yoro, his agent, or Lille, ‘we are going to match the proposal’ and sign Yoro immediately. Real Madrid’s strategy was completely different.
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“Real Madrid’s only proposal was worth around 25 million Euros.
“And the idea was if you want to come to Real Madrid, this is our proposal’, if Lille decide to accept in the next week, it’s ok it’s fine, otherwise you can join us as a free agent starting from next season.
“So Leny Yoro had to decide, Real Madrid with this kind of strategy, or Manchester United, [who were] very ,very aggressive.
“They had a bid accepted, they presented an important project to the player, they wanted Leny Yoro to be one of the superstars of the team of Manchester United, so they were very strong in approaching the player and convince the player, and they have been able to do so, because they have the green light of Leny Yoro to travel and to complete his move to Manchester United.”
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Romano also says United could wrap up a deal for Yoro as soon as today (Wednesday).
“Manchester United want to move very fast,” he continued.
“The expectation is for the ‘here we go’ to come very soon, today probably.
“Manchester United don’t want to lose time because they fear any club could jump in and try to hijack the deal, Real Madrid obviously.
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Leny Yoro transfer news: Lille star is leaning towards Man Utd deal
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“But at the moment its a very clear feeling, all parties that Leny Yoro is ready to go to Manchester United.”
Yoro looks set to become United’s second summer signing after Joshua Zirkzee, who recently arrived from Bologna.
The 23-year-old impressed in Serie A last term, netting 11 goals and registering four assists from 34 appearances.
Leny Yoro transfer news: Defender is set to partner Lisandro Martinez at Man Utd
PA
Yoro, providing the deal gets over the line, will touch down at Old Trafford as a replacement for Raphael Varane.
Varane left United at the end of last season after three injury-plagued years at the club.
The Red Devils hope Yoro can form a strong partnership with Lisandro Martinez, who is virtually guaranteed to start providing he’s fit.
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