Real Madrid and Lille are progressing in talks over a deal for Leny Yoro.
An agreement could be reached for a fee in the region of €40million (£33.8m; $43.3m) plus add-ons with the 18-year-old keen on moving to Bernabeu and open to running his contract in France down and moving for free in 2025 if no sooner deal is struck.
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The Athletic reported in June that Yoro had chosen Madrid with other interested parties, including Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, aware of the player’s preference.
Personal terms are not expected to be a problem, with Yoro expected to sign a long-term contract which is likely to be for six years. Yoro is happy with Madrid’s proposal in terms of the finances as well as the sporting project presented to him.
Madrid are in the market for reinforcements in the centre of defence with Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao their only available senior players in that position.
Former captain Nacho Fernandez has now left the club for Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah while David Alaba is still several months away from a full recovery from a serious knee injury.
Yoro made 44 appearances in all competitions for Lille last term. On Monday, he missed out on a place in Thierry Henry’s France squad for the Paris Olympic Games next month having previously been part of the provisional selection.
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GO DEEPER
Leny Yoro, 18, the defender lots of Europe's biggest clubs are pursuing
(Sebastien Salom-Gomis/AFP via Getty Images)