Lille president Olivier Letang insists that Leny Yoro ‘will not leave in January’ with the Ligue 1 outfit not opening discussions with Premier League giants Manchester United or any of the defender’s other suitors.
As far as Letang is concerned, this is an open and shut case.
Leny Yoro may have Europe’s big-hitters chasing after him just weeks after celebrating his 18th birthday, but Lille will not be entertaining offers until the summer at the earliest. Not with Champions League qualification on the cards for a club sitting just two points adrift of Monaco in fourth-spot.
Recent reports suggested that Manchester United had thrown their hat into the ring. Their interest allegedly more ‘advanced’ than that of Paris Saint-Germain. Letang, however, dismisses suggestions that a dialogue is open with the Red Devils. Or, for that matter, that Lille have slapped a £78 million price-tag onto Yoro’s head.
Manchester United links played down
“Yoro will not leave in January, so there are no negotiations,” Letang tells Le Parisien. “No discussions, contrary to what some suggest.
“I read somewhere that I had set a price. (That is also) completely false.”
Yoro, at the age of just 18, already boasts the best record in the whole of Europe’s top five leagues in terms of defensive duels. A giant of a man at 6ft 3ins, the teenager also offers a formidable presence in both penalty areas. He has three goals already during his breakthrough season at senior level.
“It’s not normal to have an 18-year-old player like Leny with this maturity and the technical qualities he has,” Les Dogues coach Paulo Fonseca beams, via Goal.
“For me, he will be one of the best central defenders in France. And probably in Europe. He is very balanced, and there is no doubt that he will be a very great player.”
United will prioritise a centre-back in the summer
Man United are prioritising a young, up-and-coming centre-half amid doubts over the long-term futures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane.
Their pursuit of Yoro, Goncalo Inacio, Antonio Silva and co is likely to be placed onto the backburner until the summer, however. Financial Fair Play concerns are denying Erik ten Hag the chance to boost his squad with a big-money winter signing.
Interestingly, Fabrizio Romano reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group have a good relationship with Yoro’s agent, the influential Jorge Mendes.
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