Leny Yoro can grab dream Manchester United shirt number after £52m transfer

Leny Yoro is edging closer to becoming a Manchester United player after a £52million transfer was agreed for his signature. The deal with Lille could rise to £58.7million with add-ons.

It follows a completed move for Netherlands starlet Joshua Zirkzee and Yoro, 18, is poised to become the second new player signed under part-INEOS ownership. The highly-rated centre-back progressed through the youth ranks with Lille and has been capped by France at age-group level.

Yoro arrives with a glowing reputation and full stamp of approval from Premier League icon Thierry Henry among others. He is set to undergo a medical at Carrington before the formalities of putting pen-to-paper.

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Spanish giants Real Madrid were also thought to be interested. However, despite his initial preference reportedly being a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, the Frenchman has opted to join United instead - with Lille cashing in on a player who only had 12 months left to run on his contract with the French Ligue 1 outfit.

Yoro played 60 senior games for Lille, scoring three goals. He will not turn 19 until November.

As and when the ink dries on his United contract, the 6ft 3in centre-back will have to select his shirt number and there are some favourable options available. Yoro wore No.15 at Lille and that remains up for grabs at Old Trafford on the proviso there are no in-house changes before the 2024/2025 season begins.

Although No.15 has sentimental value for him, Yoro might well also have his eyes on the No.4 shirt, which he has worn at age-group level for Lille and the France national side. However, with