Liverpool have withdrawn from the race to sign Manchester United and Real Madrid transfer target Leny Yoro, according to reports.
Despite having made just 46 league appearances for Lille, Yoro is already one of the most interesting and talented defenders in Europe.
Yoro, a tall and vigorous central defender, has attracted a lot of interest from Champions League champions Real Madrid and Premier League giants Manchester United.
Liverpool were contemplating competing with Madrid and United for a summer deal, but The Athletic said they “backed out” after learning of the 18-year-old’s preference for a move to the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are Yoro’s first pick this summer, but Manchester United have not been too discouraged and continue to haunt the teenager.
Erik ten Hag is set to sign a new centre-back after Raphael Varane left Old Trafford at the end of last season, while 19-year-old Willy Kambwala was sold to Villarreal despite a brief impression last season.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could also leave Manchester this summer if the club receive suitable offers.
Manchester United made two bids for English defender Jarrad Branthwaite, but both were rejected by Everton, who valued the 22-year-old at around £75m.
Ten Hag has expressed interest in bringing his former Ajax player Matthijs de Ligt to the Theater of Dreams, but may prioritize Yoro if the youngster is tipped to sign up for United rather than Madrid.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha is said to welcome Yoro’s arrival at his former club, but says they would possibly have to offer more money than Real Madrid to close a deal.
“That’s the position Manchester United are in at the moment because they’re not in the Champions League and Real Madrid are the champions,” Saha told Betfred.
‘It’s as undeniable as that. There are points that attract players and you have to look at their career and their chances of progressing.
“It will be part of Yoro’s decision, but it will not stop him from dreaming of playing for other clubs.
“Manchester United may not be in the Champions League this season, but we may also be in a strong position in two or three years, so everything can change.
“I definitely see a better design at Manchester United and it’s anything that Yoro can be aware of and be on the table for him to consider, so he can make the right decision. “
Regarding Yoro’s price, Saha added: “The reasons why he would charge so much are due to the existing market, his age, him and the fact that he has been linked with many other big clubs.
“He’s definitely a smart player who has the ability and he’s only 18 years old, so he’ll grow up and enjoy the Premier League if he joins.
“It’s a great hope and I’m sure I’m not the only user who feels that way because I heard Rio Ferdinand talk about him definitely the other day.
“Rio is a centre-back, so it’s a smart indication that the player is worth his price. “
As Saha says, Manchester United legend Ferdinand has suggested his former club strike a deal for Yoro.
“It’s a huge, huge summer for Manchester United,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel ahead of Euro 2024. “It’s a huge window of changes.
“They have to recruit well, they have to recruit better. He is one of the poorest in the club in recent years.
“They want Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez to get back in shape and play more next season. Get them in shape and then you’ll have to buy another centre-back, no doubt.
“Do we opt for fun or for a young person? Leny Yoro is Lille’s young Frenchman. Je believes he’s at the top, has a great future, and can be anything.
“I don’t think Real Madrid are interested in a centre-back, so I think he’s there, in a position to be chosen and I would choose him now. They would take five or ten intelligent years out of him.
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