Lille centre-back Leny Yoro has told Manchester United that he is holding out for a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports in Spain.
United are looking to sign at least one new central defender this summer and have already had two bids for Jarrad Branthwaite, the latest of which being £45 million plus a further £5m, rejected by Everton.
Matthijs de Ligt is United’s other target and they are currently negotiating with Bayern Munich over a deal for the Netherlands international, who is valued at €50m (£42m) by the Bundesliga club.
United also have Yoro on their shortlist but face strong competition for the 18-year-old with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea also interested.
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.
It’s understood that Madrid are ready to pay a €40m (£33.7m) fee plus add-ons for the 18-year-old.
United, meanwhile, are closing in on the signing of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The Premier League side have agreed to pay the Netherlands international’s €40m (£33.7m) release clause in his contract with Bologna.
AC Milan were close to signing Zirkzee last month after reaching an agreement but Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is the Serie A club’s senior adviser, has confirmed that they are now out of the running.
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