Transfer News:Real Madrid want to sign Frenchman teenage prodigy Leny Yoro but for cheaper fee

United have been keeping options open in their drive to sign at least one centre-back ahead of 2024/25 after releasing Raphael Varane last month. Talks continue over personal terms with Matthijs de Ligt after Bayern Munich signalled a willingness to sell for a figure less than expected, while two offers for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have been rejected so far.

Yoro is only 18 years of age but has quickly established himself as a key player for Lille since his 2022 breakthrough. However, the French club are already resigned to selling this summer after he entered the final season of his current contract, with no desire to sign a new one.

The centre of defence gave manager Erik ten Hag an enormous headache last season, with a spate of injuries resulting in a lack of continuity. Lisandro Martinez missed most of the campaign due to three separate absences, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof also endured absences. By the end of the season, Casemiro was often filling in as an emergency centre-back.