Zidane urges Real Madrid to destroy Slot’s dream and capture generational star

Real Madrid and France icon Zinedine Zidane has told Real Madrid they must win the race for Leny Yoro in a move that would leave Liverpool in tatters.

Yoro is becoming one of the main talking points of the summer transfer window. The 18-year-old has had some dominant performances at centre-back for both Lille and France U21s and is now being touted as a player with world-class potential.

Lille would have loved to keep hold of the defender after working incredibly hard to develop him into the top talent he is now, but they were forced to admit defeat due to the huge finances involved, plus Yoro’s own ambitions .

Indeed, Lille president Olivier Letang recently admitted that star duo Yoro and Jonathan David have gentlemen’s agreements that will allow them to leave if a suitable offer arrives.

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Yoro is attracting interest from most of the big clubs in Europe. Paris Saint-Germain would like to keep him in France, although they will face competition from Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United.

It emerged on Tuesday morning that while Yoro is holding out for a move to Madrid, the Spanish titans are unwilling to meet his €50-60m (£42-51m) price tag.

This could give the likes of Liverpool, Man Utd and PSG hope in the busy chase to land the wonderkid.

According to the latest reports from Spain, Madrid legend Zidane had a meeting with club president Florentino Perez and his compatriot Yoro intervened.

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Zidane is said to have told Perez that he must make sure the teenager gets to the Bernabeu as he is one of the best young players on the planet.

Zidane believes Yoro can make an immediate impact for Madrid despite his young age. Under Madrid’s guidance, the Lille academy graduate should also be able to reach his elite potential.

The reports claim that Madrid ideally do not want to go over the €40m (£34m) mark for Yoro. Even if that falls short of Lille’s asking price, Madrid feel they are in a strong position as Yoro aims to join them.

Furthermore, Zidane could initiate contact with the defender and ensure he does not push to sign for any other European heavyweights.

Yoro was lined up as a substitute in the Madrid backline for Nacho. The 34-year-old Spaniard has officially left Madrid and is set to join Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool will be sad to see Yoro head to the Spanish capital if Madrid win the transfer race. New head coach Arne Slot believes Yoro has all the attributes to become the perfect long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

But with Yoro closing in on a huge Madrid move, Liverpool must start pursuing alternative centre-half targets such as Willian Pacho, Goncalo Inacio or Murillo.

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