Man Utd close in on sensational Leny Yoro transfer after hijacking Real Madrid deal and could add another defensive signing

It appears Lille defender Leny Yoro is close to making a decision regarding his future as he prepares to complete a potential £52 million switch.

The 19-year-old centre-back, who is regarded by many as one of Europe's biggest prospects, has been strongly linked with a move away from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

It was said Real Madrid and Lille were 'progressing' in talks over a deal. In fact, there were suggestions that an agreement could be reached for a fee in the region of £33.8 million plus add-ons.

Yoro reportedly preferred a move to Los Blancos over other interested parties, including Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.

But on Wednesday morning, it emerged that the Frenchman is on his way to the UK to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms with Manchester United.

That's according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, who claims an agreement between Lille and United for an initial €62 million (£52m] fee was reached last week.

Yoro, meanwhile, has 'warmed to the idea' of joining United but there is still work to be done ahead of a move being completed.

As mentioned earlier, Yoro's original preference was a transfer to Los Blancos but the Spanish side have 'shown no indication of paying the price that United and Lille settled on.'

United fans are understandably enthusiastic about the potential of Yoro joining the club this summer.

According to Opta, the teenager completed 1,727 passes for Lille in Ligue 1 last season, the most by a teenager across Europe's big-five leagues in 2023-24.

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The above report also mentions United maintaining their admiration for Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite.

But it appears another arrival will depend on departures, with the futures of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire being unclear at present.

Many expected a busy summer of recruitment when Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS completed their purchase of a minority stake in United – and it appears that suggestion will come true.

For some weeks, the club have been heavily linked with a move for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

It was said United were optimistic that a deal could be done after Erik ten Hag spoke to the Netherlands international about his plans for the upcoming season at Old Trafford.

Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the situation last week: “Matthijs de Ligt told his agent Rafaela Pimenta two weeks ago: only Man United, no negotiations with other clubs.

“The contract agreed is valid until June 2029, five years. De Ligt only wants United. Negotiations between Man United and Bayern are also proceeding well.”

United completed their first signing of the summer in Joshua Zirkee on Monday for a fee of around £36.5 million.