Leny Yoro's preferred destination as Lille reject bid for Liverpool and Man Utd target

Leny Yoro has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid despite rival interest from Liverpool and Manchester United. Lille could cash in on the teenage centre-back this summer to avoid losing him for free in a year’s time, but they have already turned one Premier League bid down.

Yoro was 17 years old when the 2023/24 season got underway but he still started 30 Ligue 1 games in the heart of defence. Now 18 and standing 6ft 3in tall, the youngster has established himself as one of the world’s top prospects.

With one year remaining on his Lille contract, this summer represents a golden opportunity for interested parties to get their hands on Yoro for a reasonable price, or at least position themselves well to strike once he becomes a free agent in 2025.

Express Sport has learned that Real Madrid would be Yoro’s dream destination and there is apprehension about moving to the Premier League at such a young age. Members of the defender’s camp are focused on making the Bernabeu switch happen but Lille and Los Blancos are yet to agree on a fee.

The French side have already received a £42.3million offer for Yoro this summer. It was lodged by an unnamed Premier League club, but the player made it clear he did not want the move as he sits tight for Madrid.

Reports indicate that Liverpool and United have been ‘pushing hard’ to convince Yoro about a move to England. Liverpool are scouring the market for talent to give new manager Arne Slot.

United, meanwhile, are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements following Raphael Varane’s departure. Jonny Evans could also leave Old Trafford when his contract expires on June 30, given the parties are yet to agree on a new deal.

Yoro is on the Red Devils’ list of targets alongside the likes of Ousmane Diomande and Jarrad Branthwaite. The pursuit of Everton star Branthwaite has picked up pace in recent days after a personal terms agreement was reportedly thrashed out.

United and the Toffees have not yet agreed on a transfer fee, however. Everton are believed to want £80m for the 21-year-old as they scramble to raise cash before the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) deadline at the end of the month.

Erik ten Hag can finally press on with United’s transfer plans after discovering he will be kept on by INEOS, despite the club conducting talks with several managerial candidates since the end of last season.