Manchester United and Liverpool pushing for generational talent with Real Madrid preference

Brest's Portuguese French midfielder #26 Mathias Pereira Lage (R) fights for the ball with Lille's French defender #15 Leny Yoro during the French L1 football match between Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) and Lille OSC at Stade Francis-Le Ble in Brest, western France, on March 17, 2024. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE / AFP)

Manchester United are ready to intensify their interest in Lille centre-back Leny Yoro, albeit with an acceptance that Real Madrid may ultimately win the contest.

There have been whispers that Real Madrid would prefer to wait a bit longer before signing the young French defender, which could allow for a club like United to seize an opportunity.

One of the reasons for Real Madrid wanting to wait for Yoro is his contract expires in 12 months’ time.

Yoro has emerged as one of the most wanted players in Europe after a fine season for the Ligue 1 club, although a move to Real Madrid is understood to be his preference.

According to The Athletic, United and Liverpool are pushing hard to entice Yoro. They are known to have made more concrete advances so far and would all be prepared to offer competitive or favourable conditions.

Stiff competition for Yoro

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Paris Saint-Germain are amongst the clubs reportedly interested in the 18-year-old, who is not expected to extend his contract.

Yoro may end up waiting to see if Madrid are willing to budge this summer, while the British clubs view the player as a unique market opportunity.

Madrid allegedly rates Yoro as a “generational talent” which explains why so many top clubs are chasing his signature this summer.

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