Transfer Talk: Madrid looking at move for Lille’s Leny Yoro،
The winter transfer window has now closed in Europe's top leagues, but there are plenty of moves afoot and plenty of gossip swirling as summer approaches. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals.
TOP STORY: Madrid consider move for Yoro from Lille
Real Madrid could try to sign Leny Yoro with Paris Saint-Germain struggling to reach an agreement with Lille, as reported by Diario Sport.
The Parisians are very interested in the centre-back but would only be willing to make a deal within strict financial parameters, far from the figures demanded by Lille during negotiations.
The 18-year-old recently changed agents, with the arrival of Jorge Mendes, and has been linked with various big clubs in recent months, including Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG.
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Yoro was available for €20m at the start of the season, but growing interest in the defender and his impressive performances mean Lille will now not accept anything below €60m.
The player's entourage has also increased their demands, but PSG insists that Lille has their proposal and must now accept or reject it.
The Whites have remained in contact with Lille president Olivier Letang and Yoro's family throughout the situation as they look to recruit a central defender for the future, having previously expressed their desire to sign the Frenchman.
Carlo Ancelotti's strong team and the presence of various French players in Madrid make The Whites a great alternative if the PSG move does not go through, with the Spanish giants in no rush to complete a deal.
Paper gossip
– Diario Sport reported that Barcelona have received offers for Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de JongAnd Raphinha. Bayern Munich have offered €70 million for Araujo, which would double the defender's current salary, while Tottenham Hotspur are offering €60 million and €70 million for De Jong and Raphinha respectively. There is also another Raphinha offer from an unnamed club.
– AC Milan wants to sign Schalke midfielder Assan Ouédraogo but face competition from Napoli, Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt, reports Calciomercato. The 17-year-old has a release clause worth €12 million, while contacts between I Rossoneri and the player's agents have been positive, raising hopes that a deal will be possible in the future.
– Benfica midfielder João Neves declined the opportunity to directly address his future at a press conference. Quoted by the Daily Mail, the 19-year-old said: “I promise to do my best in every training, in every match, and I think that's one of my greatest qualities. I'm focused on Benfica and even more to come [Thursday’s] game, which is next. I think I will do my best in every game and every training session.” It comes amid interest from Manchester United.
– Gregor, Jean Mota, DeAndre Yedlin, Robert TaylorAnd Serhiy Kryvtsov are among the players available because Inter Miami must leave its players to comply with MLS regulations, as reported by The Athletic. Corentin Jean is another who could leave following a transfer, trade or contract termination.
– Austin FC finalizes deal to sign free agent center back Brendan Hines-Ike, who last played for DC United, as reported by The Athletic. The 29-year-old had been in Washington since January 2022 and will now earn significantly less than last year.
