Manchester United receives boost in Leny Yoro transfer battle with Real Madrid

Manchester United is making headway in its pursuit of Leny Yoro, despite the 18-year-old's preference for a move to Real Madrid .

The Red Devils have had a bid of around €65 million ($70.9 million) accepted by Lille, Yoro's current team. And while European champion Madrid is also in talks with the central defender, it seems United may be edging ahead. Liverpool was linked with Yoro earlier in the transfer window but now appears to be out of the running.

According to journalist Nabil Djellit via the Manchester Evening News , negotiations over personal terms are progressing well for United, even though Madrid remain in the race. This news follows reports from The Athletic that Madrid is yet to match United's agreed fee with Lille, leading to speculation that the Reds could be the favored choice.

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However, convincing Yoro remains the priority, rather than finalizing a deal for Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, with whom United has already agreed personal terms. It is understood that only one of these players will be signed this summer.

United is reportedly after three new center-backs this summer, including Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite. Following a string of departures including Willy Kambwala to Villarreal and Raphael Varane, the Reds are now "trying hard" to part ways with Victor Lindelof after acquiring the services of Jonny Evans once more.

Liverpool.com says: If Yoro wants to join Madrid, he'll probably join Madrid. It'll be very difficult for United to win this transfer race, especially after Erik ten Hag's team finished eighth in the Premier League last season.