Manchester United have reportedly downplayed rumours suggesting they made a £50.7m offer to sign Lille star Leny Yoro, who has been on the radar of Champions League winners Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old defender is widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in Europe and has attracted interest from top clubs, including the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
In his debut season with Lille's first team, Yoro impressed scouts across the continent with his performances, making 44 appearances across all competitions and scoring three goals.
With just over a year remaining on his Lille contract, the Ligue 1 club is understandably anxious about the prospect of losing such a valuable asset for free in 2025.
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Man United deny making offer for Leny Yoro but remain interested in his services
Despite several reports in the last week suggesting that the Red Devils had made an initial offer for the talented teenager, The Metro claim that United have denied submitting any bids for the Frenchman.
However, the report does mention that the Red Devils do maintain an interest in him and may make an inquiry in the upcoming weeks.
Yoro has drawn comparisons to Raphael Varane, who is set to depart Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of this month.
In light of Varane's departure, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Jonny Evans' and Harry Maguire's futures, United are believed to have prioritised signing two centre-backs this summer.
Among the players who have been linked with a possible move to Old Trafford during the transfer window are Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayer Leverkusen centre-half Edmond Tapsoba.
Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio is another name that has been linked with Erik ten Hag's side this summer, though it is understood that his reported £50.5m release clause may be more than the Red Devils are willing to spend on a single player.
Inacio signed a four-year contract extension with the Lions just last year, and Sporting are believed to be unwilling to negotiate their asking price for the Portugal international.
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Major overhaul expected at Old Trafford this summer
In addition to a centre-back, United are expected to sign a central midfielder and a striker this summer, with a right-winger also on their list of priorities.
However, any additions to the Red Devils squad will likely depend on the sale of existing players to ensure the club abide by the Premier League's strict Profit and Sustainability rules.
Players that could depart Old Trafford this summer include Casemiro and Jadon Sancho, who are among the highest earners at the club, with the duo reportedly raking in around £300,00 and £350,000 per week respectively.
Donny van de Beek, Mason Greenwood, Christian Eriksen and Antony's futures are yet to be decided, while Anthony Martial is set to depart Manchester imminently.
Devesh Jaganath
