Manchester United are looking to strengthen at the back this summer, with this morning’s big update from David Ornstein suggesting that progress has been made on a deal to sign Lille defender Leny Yoro.
The 18-year-old has been tipped as a generational talent after attracting interest from Real Madrid. And, it sounds like United’s biggest hurdle is Yoro’s desire to play for Los Blancos.
United are considering moves for multiple centre-backs but Yoro is the current priority over Matthijs de Ligt, while Everton continue to price Jarrad Branthwaite out of a move to Old Trafford.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes Yoro is worth £42m, which is the amount Lille reportedly accepted from United last week, as per the Daily Mail.
Speaking to Betfred, Saha said: “The reasons behind why he’d cost this much is because of the current market, his age, potential and the fact he’s been linked with a lot of other big clubs. He’s definitely a good player that has the capacity to improve and he’s only 18 years old, he’ll bulk up and he’ll enjoy the Premier League if he joins. He’s a really, really strong prospect and I’m sure I’m not the only person that feels this way because I heard Rio Ferdinand speaking about him positively the other day. Rio was a centre-back himself, so that’s a good indication that the player is worth his price-tag.”
The former France international added that United are in a position where they need to offer more money for star players than Real Madrid – because we are not competing in the Champions League. This must change over the coming years.
“Yes because that’s the position Manchester United are in right now because they’re not in the Champions League and Real Madrid are the holders of it,” he continued. “It’s as simple as that. There are factors that attract players and sometimes you need to look at your trajectory and chances of progression. That will be part of Yoro’s decision, but it won’t stop him dreaming about playing for other clubs. Manchester United may not be in the Champions League this season, but we could be in a strong position in two or three years time, so anything can change. Life doesn’t stop today, you need to think about what can happen in future also.
“I definitely see a better structure at Manchester United and this is something that Yoro could be aware of and on the table for him to consider, so hopefully he can make the right decision.”
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
