Manchester United have beaten Real Madrid to the signing of highly-rated Lille defender Lenny Yoro.
The Red Devils, who are in the market for a defender, have reportedly secured the delivery for the youngster, who was also wanted by Real Madrid and admired by Liverpool.
According to the football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid were unwilling to match Lille’s demand for Yoro. According to the journalist, Los Blancos were ready to pay not more than £20 million for the Frenchman, whereas Manchester United offered more. According to David Ornstein, United will pay Lille a fixed €50m fee plus €12m add-ons.
As we reported last week, Lille accepted United’s offer several days ago and were waiting for Yoro to say yes to United’s proposal.
The youngster has now said yes to United and has been booked for a medical at the club’s Carrington training centre, where he will sign a five-year deal after completing his medical.
Yoro’s arrival is likely to end Man United’s pursuit of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. The Red Devils saw two bids for the Englishman rejected by the Toffees, who wanted over £65 million for Branthwaite.
What Top Six Football Thinks
In signing Yoro, Manchester United has signed a top-class player who could dominate for years. The 18-year-old boasted an enviable record last season. The Frenchman won 65% of his aerial duels, 61% of his ground duels and completed 92% of his passes in Ligue 1 last season.
He is the only defender under-23 in Europe’s top five Leagues to win over 60% of his aerial and ground duels, as well as completing over 90% of his passes.
If he can stay fit, he will slot straight into United’s backline, which boasts Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Jonny Evans.
