Leny Yoro, the young French sensation and Liverpool target, has reportedly rejected a move to Manchester United despite an ambitious bid from the Red Devils.
United are on a mission to secure a center-back this summer and has been considering several options. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt are among the names being considered.
The Red Devils have already had two bids turned down by Everton, while they’ve agreed terms with the Dutchman. Now, it seems their focus has shifted to Yoro.
Reports from France suggest that United have had a bid accepted by Lille for the young French player. They’ve allegedly put forward $53.7 million – a package that outdoes Real Madrid’s initial bid.
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While Lille is satisfied with the terms, it seems United hasn’t done enough to persuade Yoro to make the move. According to Marca, the 18-year-old is holding out for a move to Santiago Bernabeu instead.
Yoro is one of the most coveted young talents in global football. He made his debut for Lille at just 16 and has since made 60 appearances for the team. However, with only a year left on his contract, this summer’s transfer window is the last chance for Lille to command a significant fee for him.
Former Lille boss Paulo Fonseca predicted a big move for him within 12 months. Speaking last season, he said: “I believe Leny [Yoro] in the next year will be at one of the best clubs in Europe. He started here at 16 with us. He is very ambitious but very disciplined.
“He grew a lot but he is a kid with a big maturity, with big quality. He’s very focused, very concentrated, he wants to learn every day and I have no doubt in modern football he will be one of the best central defenders in the world.”
United might face disappointment in their chase for Yoro, but their move for De Ligt has been endorsed by Alan Shearer. Chatting with Betfair, he remarked: “Matthijs de Ligt has been linked with a move to Old Trafford and I think he would be a good signing for Man United.
“He’s a really good player – really solid. I know he can’t get in the Dutch team but he’d be a really good addition for Man United. I like him a lot and I think his style of play would suit the Premier League.”
What Liverpool.com says: Liverpool has long known Leny Yoro’s preferred destination is Real Madrid. It’s laughable to think Manchester United either didn’t, or are ignorant enough to believe it is a more appealing destination than Los Blancos. This outcome is of no surprise. And even if a move to Madrid breaks down, the possibility of playing next to, and learning from, Virgil van Dijk is a far more attractive proposition than sitting behind a rusty Casemiro.