Manchester United are on the brink of securing a deal for LOSC Lille defender Leny Yoro.
According to The Athletic, the youngster will fly to the United Kingdom to undergo his medical and finalise personal terms.
A £52m agreement with Lille was reached last week, paving the way for a move that will see the 18-year-old centre-back bolster Erik ten Hag’s defensive options.
Real Madrid were initially Yoro’s preferred destination, but their reluctance to match Lille’s valuation has opened the door for United to pounce.
The French club were keen to sell this summer to avoid losing Yoro on a free transfer next year.
The prospect of joining United has reportedly won over the talented Frenchman, and his arrival would be a significant statement of intent by the club.
Yoro established himself as one of the top European defensive talents last season with impressive performances, showing remarkable composure and timing.
Yoro is the only Under-23 centre-back in the top five European leagues who won 60% of his aerial and 60% of his ground duels and maintained 90% pass accuracy in 2023/24.
He helped Lille keep 13 clean sheets in 32 league appearances. The young defender will bolster the United backline for years if he signs for them.
He will join Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Jonny Evans as defensive options for next season.
It is unclear what Yoro’s move means for the Red Devils’ pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt.
They are reportedly close to agreeing a £42m transfer fee with the Bavarians, but there is no space for the Dutch defender in the squad. United may have to pull out of the deal.
After securing Joshua Zirkzee and Yoro, United will focus on reinforcing defensive midfield and the flanks.
