LILLE “threatened” not to play Leny Yoro for a year if he snubbed the deal to sign with Manchester United, a report claims.
The Red Devils are ready to close a stunning deal for the 18-year-old despite facing fierce competition from Real Madrid.
The Ligue 1 side have accepted a £52million bid from the Red Devils to sign the defender, according to The Athletic.
But Spanish outlet Marca has reported Lille “threatened” to drop the French sensation if he turned down the move to Old Trafford.
And Yoro is now on his way to Carrington for a medical before striking personal terms on a lucrative contract.
United have secured the youngster despite interest from Real Madrid, who just two weeks ago put in a bid of less than £30million for the star.
Real made Yoro their No1 choice to replace outgoing veteran Nacho Fernandez.
They were confident to secure Yoro by going in with an initial low bid and having a verbal agreement in place with the youngster.
The low offer was a part of their traditional plan that has worked many times in the past to secure the world’s best talent.
They hoped the star would be thinking about the deal and get so tempted by the move to then complete the transfer.
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Los Blancos’ tactics worked for Jude Bellingham last summer as he moved to the Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund.
And the report claimed that this time United’s substantial offer for the French U21 star beat Real Madrid’s tactics as Lille made sure they landed a the larger fee.
Sir Jim Radcliffe is carrying out a large overhaul of the squad following his minority takeover last year.
Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, Sofyan Amrabat, Donny van de Beek and Willy Kambwala have left the club this summer.
Joshua Zirkzee has joined from Bologna in move that shocked fans for the right reason and Yoro could be the next man in.
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