For a long while now, it appeared that Real Madrid had the deal for teenage defender Leny Yoro locked.
The 18-year-old wanted to sign for the Spanish capital club and had been turning down proposals from other clubs.
It only seemed a matter of time before Lille caved in and agreed to reduce their asking price for the teenager. Such was the confidence that the deal would be done that Real Madrid sold returning loanee Rafa Marin to Napoli.
However, Manchester United have swooped in and are on the cusp of signing Yoro. Indeed, after having a €62 million bid accepted by Lille, the Red Devils are now set to sign the teenager, who is travelling to England to discuss his contract and undergo medicals.
Having seen Leny Yoro slip out of their grasp, Real Madrid will now enter the market for a new centre-back, reports journalist Alberto Pereiro.
It goes without saying that Los Blancos need a new centre-back to replace former captain Nacho Fernandez who left this summer.
Even though Jesus Vallejo is back from loan and intends to stay, the reigning Spanish and European champions intend to sign another centre-half, which is understandable considering what happened last season.
Furthermore, with David Alaba’s recovery from the ACL injury going slower than anticipated, a new defender is very much needed at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With Yoro now slipping away, Real Madrid must quickly find an alternative and make a move. Riccardo Calafiori had been linked but is likely to move to Arsenal while former defender Mario Gila has ruled out a move as well.
So, it will be interesting to see who Real Madrid target to reinforce the centre-back position. But for now, it appears that they have fumbled the Yoro deal.