Manchester United handed double transfer boost over Lille duo Leny Yoro and Jonathan David
Lille president Olivier Letang has confirmed that Manchester United transfer targets Jonathan David and Leny Yoro are both available to sign this summer.
Both players were vital members of a Lille team that finished fourth in Ligue 1 and made the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League this season.
Canadian forward David scored 19 goals in the league, 26 across all competitions, and was the joint-second top scorer in Ligue 1, while 18-year-old Yoro started 44 games in all competitions at the heart of defence.
However, the contract situation of each player means that both will be permitted to depart the Stade Pierre-Mauroy this summer.
“Leny Yoro and Jonathan David can leave the club this summer,” Letang said at a press conference to announce Bruno Genesio as Lille’s new head coach. “Both have the ‘exit voucher’ due to their contract situation.”
Manchester United will face stiff competitions for their signatures, however. A host of Europe’s top clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, are all reportedly interested in Yoro, and it’s rumoured Atletico Madrid have already made an approach for David.
To complicate matters even further, both players’ contracts expire at the end of next season. Diario AS recently claimed that Real Madrid are attempting to convince Yoro to join on a free transfer in 2025.
United seem determined to secure Yoro’s services however, and were recently linked with an offer of around £51million.
The club is in the market for a new centre-back after the departure of Raphael Varane as a free agent, and are also reportedly interested in Jarrad Branthwaite, Goncalo Inacio and Jean-Clair Todibo.
David would also fill an important need. United need competition across the front line, and especially need another striker after Anthony Martial left as a free agent.
The 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund played well in his first season in the Premier League, scoring 16 goals in all competitions, but after Martial’s departure he’s currently the only recognised striker in the squad.
United are moving early to reinforce Erik ten Hag’s squad, after recently confirming the Dutchman will stay on as manager after a two-week review, and Letang’s comments will be encouraging for the club hierarchy.
The Independent reported on Wednesday that David - also linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the past - was on a three-man striker shortlist at Old Trafford, along with Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and Brentford star Ivan Toney.
