Manchester United make serious offer for Golden Boy candidate, but he may run down his contract

Manchester United have reportedly made the highest bid yet for a Golden Boy candidate as the 2024 summer transfer window opens.

The Golden Boy Award is one of the most coveted awards in world football. It is given to the best young male football player each calendar year and is currently held by Real Madrid‘s Jude Bellingham.

Manchester United have had three winners since its inception in 2003, with Wayne Rooney winning in 2004, Anderson in 2008, and Anthony Martial in 2015.

Read More: Manchester United receive perfect message from surprise £40m transfer target

United also have two players in the running for the award this year, with Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho’s spectacular seasons thrusting them into the limelight across European football.

However, another player up for the award that United are keen on is Leny Yoro, with a new leak revealing that Yoro is currently fifth on the list for the 2024 version of the award.

As many outlets have revealed in recent days, United are heavily pursuing Yoro. According to the Spanish outlet AS, United has come closest to matching Lille’s evaluation.

Although some claim Lille want around £43 million, AS claim that this figure is actually closer to £50 million. They explain that Real Madrid are still the firm favourites to sign him.

“Real Madrid are clear that they will not pay more than 40 million but Lille already has received much higher offers. Both PSG and Manchester United have already made moves (the latter is very serious, having already put on the table an amount very close to the 60 million they are asking for at Pierre-Mauroy).

“Madrid wants the player, but in no case will they reach the figures that others are offering. And there is a clear position: as was said a few days ago, they are clear that they will not enter into a bidding contest.

“Madrid will offer, maximum, 40 million and from there, Yoro and Lille will decide. The club has the right not to accept, but the player also has the right not to leave. And that’s what they point to at the Bernabéu.

“If Lille are inclined to transfer him to another club, it is the player himself who can step on the brakes and make it clear that he wants to go to only Madrid, with something as simple as staying for another season being within his reach, in the worst case scenario. Which means he will finish his contract and decide as a free agent.”

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