Manchester United hope as Ineos have ‘relationship’ with £78m star’s agent

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INEOS’ investment in Manchester United could help the Premier League giants fight off competition from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for Lille’s £78 million-rated centre-back Leny Yoro, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He may have only turned 18 in November but Leny Yoro is already – statistically speaking – Europe’s finest defender, at least in one area. According to Data Foot, his 80 per cent success rate in ‘defensive duels’ is higher than any other player on the continent.

No wonder Manchester United like him, Yoro joining Jarrad Branthwaite, Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, Giorgio Scalvini and co on the Red Devils radar.

Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover of the Old Trafford outfit, Yoro could soon emerge as United’s first-choice defensive target. Fabrizio Romano tells the United Stand on YouTube that Yoro has plenty of admirers amongst INEOS employees.

What’s more, an excellent relationship with Yoro’s new agent – the mighty Jorge Mendes – will do Man United’s hopes no harm. It’s not just what you know, after all, but who you know, and INEOS are clearly very well connected amongst the most powerful deal-breakers in the game.

Manchester United in Leny Yoro race

“Leny Yoro could be a name to watch for the summer. Yoro is really one of the best talents in the world, he really is a fantastic centre-back,” Romano adds, via his Caught Offside column.

“For Lille, the idea is to keep the player until the end of the season because they feel, in the summer, there is going to be a big fight between top clubs to sign Yoro.

“Real Madrid have been in attendance multiple times to watch Yoro. They really like this boy, so let’s see if they will be in the race this summer. For sure they are scouting the player, and also the new people in charge at Manchester United, with Ineos having an excellent relationship with Jorge Mendes.  

“PSG also know Yoro very well as he’s playing in Ligue 1. Since last summer they’ve been following him, so they are there too.

“It could be a big fight for Yoro, that’s what’s expected. And Lille want crazy money. But his contract expires in 2025 so it looks like one to watch.”

Lille holding out for nearly £80 million

Reports have indicated that Lille want a staggering £78 million. That stance could soften, however, with Yoro expected to turn down the chance to extend a contract which runs only for the next 18 months.