Leny Yoro, a center defender for Lille, has reportedly told Manchester United that he is waiting to join Real Madrid this summer, according to Spanish media.
This summer, United hopes to add a new central defender, and they have already made two offers for Jarrad Branthwaite, the most recent of which was rejected by Everton for £45 million plus an additional £5 million.
The other aim for United is Matthijs de Ligt, with whom they are now in negotiations with Bayern Munich over a contract. The Bundesliga club values the Netherlands international at €50 million (£42 million).
Yoro is another player on United’s short list, but the 18-year-old is up against fierce competition from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
According to Marca, United made an approach for Yoro last week but the defender is said to have made it clear that his preference is to join Real Madrid.
The report claims that Madrid are now in advanced talks with Lille over a deal for Yoro and confident that an agreement can be reached.
Madrid is reportedly willing to pay the 18-year-old a €40 million (£33.7 million) transfer price in addition to add-ons.
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee, a striker for Bologna, is getting closer to joining United.
The Netherlands international’s contract with Bologna has a €40 million (£33.7 million) release clause, which the Premier League team has agreed to pay.
After coming to an agreement last month, AC Milan was on the verge of signing Zirkzee; however, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the senior adviser for the Serie A club, has stated that they are no longer in the race.