'Open to the move' - Manchester United 'move ahead' of Real Madrid for £52 million transfer deal

Manchester United have reportedly moved ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Lille defender Leny Yoro.

United are looking to add at least two centre-backs to their playing squad this summer and have already agreed a deal with the Ligue 1 club over the possible transfer of Yoro.

It is understood United had a bid of £42 million plus an additional £10 million in add-ons accepted last week, but his transfer was put into doubt over concerns about agreeing personal terms, with him understood to favour a move to Real Madrid.

However, it looks like things might have finally changed. French journalist Nabil Djellit, who first broke news of United's bid for Yoro, suggests they have now moved ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign him. The reporter claims he is now in negotiations with United about salary conditions and is open to moving to Old Trafford in the summer window.

United have seen two bids rejected by Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite, while they are yet to make a formal offer to Bayern Munich for the services of Matthijs de Ligt. United are keeping their options open with regard to what happens next, with their pursuit of centre-back reinforcement a fluid situation that is intrinsically linked to player sales.

The club would be in the position to buy at least one centre-back straightaway this window, but the addition of a second and even possibly third would depend on raising funds to finance it. United are wary of spending too much money early on this summer until they are confident of exactly how much they will bring in from sales.