Zidane intervenes as top Liverpool transfer target slips further from grasp
Liverpool are outsiders in the race for Lille defender Leny Yoro with Real Madrid in the driving seat for the 18-year-old’s signature.
However, the Reds are reported to be waiting in the wings in order to strike a deal with both the player and his club in the event that Real fail to get the move over the line.
Liverpool have reportedly offered Yoro a salary of around €6 million to €7m per annum, placing him in a band of the club’s top earners, but it is the asking price which is becoming a sticking point for Madrid.
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Yoro, 18, is out of contract in 2025 and will walk away for free next summer should Lille fail to accept a bid during this transfer window.
The French Ligue 1 club value their homegrown prospect at €60m but Real are so far only prepared to go to €40m for the highly-rated centre back.
Rival clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are ready to take advantage if no compromise is struck between the two clubs.
However it is expected that Lille’s demands will fall as the window draws to a close and Madrid will get their man.
Zidane calls on Madrid to sign Yoro
The European champions have now been encouraged by one of their all-time great players and managers to ensure Yoro arrives at the Bernabeu with Zinedine Zidane weighing in on the potential deal.
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, the three-time Champions League-winning coach in a meeting with club president Florentino Perez offered his opinion on Yoro and insisted Real wrap up a deal this summer.
Madrid were already working on the deal before Zidane’s involvement but an endorsement from one of the game’s all-time greats will surely inspire Real to strike a deal sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s wait for a centre back and, indeed, a first senior signing for Arne Slot goes on.
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