Leny Yoro transfer decision made despite Manchester United bid and Liverpool interest

Leny Yoro, the 18-year-old sensation from Lille, is still holding out for a dream move to Real Madrid , despite Manchester United having made an official offer and Liverpool lurking in the background.

Yoro, who made his first-team debut for Lille in the 2022/23 season and has since clocked up 44 appearances, has attracted attention from several top European clubs due to his impressive performances. While Manchester United has shown serious intent by lodging a $69m (£53m/€63m) bid — which has been accepted by Lille — French publication L'Equipe reports that Yoro's heart is set on a move to Real Madrid.

The Athletic further reports that many of Yoro's potential suitors, including Liverpool , have stepped back after learning of the player's preference for Madrid. However, Manchester United remains hopeful of convincing the young defender to join them instead.

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Lille president Olivier Letang has confirmed that Yoro can be sold this summer. But with only one year remaining on his current contract, it has been suggested that Real Madrid may try to wait it out and secure him on a free transfer if Lille does not reduce its asking price, safe in the knowledge that the teenager doesn't want to go anywhere else.

While Yoro's heart seems set on Real Madrid , he did engage with his followers earlier in the summer to debunk a fake account that had dismissed Manchester United with a blunt message. The impostor account @YoroLeny had posted: "I don't want you @ManUtd. Leave me alone," prompting the genuine Yoro to respond: "Fake account. You guys are psycho. Signal this account."

Over the weekend, Manchester United secured the signature of Bologna's forward Joshua Zirkzee and now, bolstering the defense is the next item on the agenda for the club's hierarchy. The Red Devils are not only chasing Yoro but are also negotiating with Bayern Munich for Matthijs de Ligt, with the consensus being that United will land either one of the two, not both.

Liverpool.com says: If Yoro isn't coming to Merseyside then Liverpool needs to find an alternative. Going into the new season without another option for Arne Slot to choose from at the back would be a gamble given Ibrahima Konate's fitness record.