Manchester United target Leny Yoro has progressed in talks with Real Madrid, much to the dismay of Rio Ferdinand.
The centre-half was a stalwart for Lille last season, making 44 appearances and helping his team to the Europa Conference League quarter-finals, where they were defeated by Aston Villa.
Yoro's elegance garnered a reported £43million transfer bid from Paris Saint-Germain as well as concrete interest from both the Red Devils and Champions League winners Real.
However, United icon Ferdinand won't be pleased to hear that Real are now reportedly in pole position to sign the young French defender from Ligue 1.
According to The Athletic, a deal is progressing between Lille and Real, and the Spanish capital is seemingly the only place the £34million-rated Yoro has set his sights upon.
It was reported in June that Yoro had chosen Real Madrid as his preferred destination, but it now seems as though an agreement is imminent. The Athletic state that personal terms for the defender will not be an issue, and that it is just the fine details of the transfer fee left to be resolved. Other clubs, such as PSG, Liverpool, and, of course, United, are set to lose out.
Ferdinand was in Germany to watch as Spain felled a lacklustre France - a team Yoro could soon be a part of. He begged United's new sporting director Dan Ashworth, who was recently recruited as part of Jim Ratcliffe's new regime, to sign the young defender.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand stated: “I think Real Madrid are going to take Yoro instead [of William Saliba]. I would love him to come to Man United.
"If you’re looking Leny Yoro, please accept and come to Man United, please. Man United, please, make the offer and please accept because this kid, I think his ceiling is as high as anybody right now, including Saliba.”
As Yoro and Saliba were compared, Ferdinand replied: “Physically, he’s not as developed or formidable, but he’s a different kind of central defender. He’s quick, and he tries to nibble to get in front, he can play, he’s long, tall, and mobile.”
A summer exodus at United would pave the way for a young and exciting centre-half. Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are expected departures, and Raphael Varane has already left the club upon the expiry of his contract.
However, Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly on his way to Old Trafford. The club have evidently prioritised the signing of the 24-year-old Dutchman over the younger Yoro, as well as over the scuppered deal for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.
Ferdinand pleaded with United's ownership to try to negotiate a deal, but it seems they haven’t listened, as Yoro is seemingly bound for Spain.