Man Utd transfer 'creates tensions' between rival club and agent after late U-turn

Manchester United beat Real Madrid to the signing of Leny Yoro from Lille during the summer transfer window and it appears figures in the Spanish capital have been irked by the deal

Manchester United have contributed to creating a rift between Real Madrid and super-agent Jorge Mendes.

The Red Devils' £52million deal, rising up to £58.7m, to sign Leny Yoro from Lille this summer has sparked discontent in the Spanish capital, with Los Blancos losing out in the race for the 18-year-old Frenchman's signature. Carlo Ancelotti's side had hoped to land Yoro in a cheaper deal, perhaps even hoping the defender would see out his contract with Lille before moving to the Bernabeu on a free transfer.

Ultimately, the current holders of the Champions League wanted to at least use that as a bargaining tool to negotiate a fee nearer £34m for Yoro. Real were unwilling to offer a figure near what United agreed.

The club now remain in the market for another central defender. There is an air of frustration from the Spanish side they must do so after believing they were set to sign Yoro over the summer.

AS, reported by Sport Witness, claim the way things transpired has led to a difficult relationship between the La Liga champions and Yoro's agent, Jorge Mendes. It is said the saga ‘created tensions’ with the Portuguese representative.

Real believe that Mendes orchestrated a scenario that saw United bid in excess of what they were willing to offer but more notably saw a hefty wage presented to Yoro. The central defender's salary was deemed a 'big point of difference', with the belief in Madrid being that £7.6m-a-year package the youngster is said to be on is well in excess of what they would faciliate.

While the Spanish giants have baulked at the figures involved at Old Trafford, new CEO Omar Berrada has already defended the business United conducted. The ex-Man City chief suggested that the new transfer team were regimented in sticking to their valuations over the summer.

Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images) Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "We were quite disciplined about the valuations we were giving to the players who were going to come in.

"We stuck to those valuations. I think Dan and the team did a fantastic job in the negotiation process. And the reason I mention that is if you make a mistake and if you overspend or get a player who can cost you too much, it can set you back.

“Which is why you need to be able to take those decisions and make the right ones consistently over time to be in a position to win consistently. There will be some mistakes, it's normal there are certain factors we can't control. But all of the controllables, we are going to put our best foot forward to get it right."

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