Man United look to have made a definitive decision on their second signing of the summer as young defender Leny Yoro is reportedly already “in Manchester” for his medical ahead of joining the Premier League club.
The French centre-back, who has impressed during his breakthrough into LOSC Lille’s first team over the past two seasons, has attracted a number of suitors across this transfer window, including Liverpool, PSG and, most notably, Real Madrid.
However, despite a tentative initial bid from Madrid, it looks as though United have now pulled the trigger and beaten the La Liga giants to his signature, as it is said Yoro has now flown to Manchester for his medical with a fee already agreed between both clubs and the final details soon to be confirmed.
According to the latest updates from ever-reliable transfer source, Fabrizio Romano, the deal is said to be a five-year deal which “includes several bonuses based on appearances, performances and more”.
⚪️🇫🇷 Real Madrid, also informed of Leny Yoro’s travel to Manchester to finalize his move to United.
Real have always been clear: €20/25m for Yoro this summer or join as free agent in 2025.
Yoro’s preference is always thought to have been Spain, but it seems the recently incumbent INEOS Group were clinical in negotiations and simply met the Ligue 1 club’s asking price while Madrid were apparently willing to wait until 2025 when his contract was due to expire
It was reported on Tuesday that Man United had made progress in talks with two central defensive targets, but that only a deal for one of them was expected to be completed given their transfer budget and stricter measures than ever around FFP and PSR.
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That being said, with the departure of Raphaël Varane and Willy Kambwala, Victor Lindelöf having just a year left on his contract, not to mention other players future’s still looking uncertain, outgoings could potentially make room for another among the back four to be brought in.
Meanwhile, even famous fans of the Red Devils like social media star Harry Pinero have been playing the role of football agent to try and curry Yoro’s favour. Let’s just say it can’t have hurt their chances.
Social media influencer Harry Pinero messaged Leny Yoro trying to convince him to join Manchester United.
While an official announcement is yet to come and it’s still unclear if his medical has been completed or if all personal terms signed off, for all intents and purposes, it looks like a done deal.
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Bringing in Yoro would mark the second acquisition by United so far ahead of the 2024/25 season, with Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee also being unveiled earlier this week – two youthful additions to the overall squad depth at either end of the pitch.
Elsewhere in defence, Premier League veteran and long-serving club servant Jonny Evans was also given a new one-year deal to extend his stay at Old Trafford after impressing as what started out as a stop-gap signing amid their chronic injury problems throughout the previous campaign.
Featured Images — Leny Yoro/Equipe de France de Football (via Instagram)
Sport
Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best
Danny Jones
This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again– and there are some big names on show.
Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.
Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.
Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.
Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.
Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.
Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.
With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.
Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.
There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.
The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Manchester Central)/The Manc Group
Sport
Salford’s popular women’s running race is returning for 2026
Danny Jones
The popular women’s only five-mile race in Salford is back for another year, and it’s set to be one of the biggest yet.
Returning for its 34th iteration this spring, the 2026 edition of the Swinton Ladies Race is a mix of trail, gravel and road running.
It’s also remained a great entry-level run since it began, perfect not only for all ages and experience levels, but for those looking for a step-up in ability level and challenge with the mixed terrain.
Last May saw one of the best turnouts in the event’s history, and the Swinton Running Club founders are hoping for another big showing.
Now boasting a total of 400 places, the Swinton Ladies Race has remained a long-established cult favourite among locals over the past couple of decades.
Founded back in 1991 (then under the Worsley Woods Trail Race banner), it’s only grown in reputation but has still stayed true to its community-driven roots.
A one-lap course of lasting five miles, the course itself takes you through the aforementioned woodlands, as well as sections of trail and more defined paths.
Other notable sites featured include the Old Warke Dam, parts of the Bridgewater Canal and said Woods, which help make up a good chunk of the largest conservation area in Salford.
As they put it: “Whether you’re training for a new challenge or looking for a sociable jog in the fresh countryside air, join us and enjoy a trail race through Worsley.”
In addition to promising chip times, bespoke medals for all finishers, free parking and plenty of other little perks, it’s also just super accessible and good value-for-money.
As for the race route itself, there are drinks stations at the halfway point and finish line, first aiders on hand should anyone need help, and, of course, toilet facilities; it’s just a very well-run event all-round.
The organisers – who are teaming up with run promoters SheRACES for 2026 – do advise trail shoes where possible, especially if it’s been raining in the days leading up to the starting gun, but road trainers will still do you just fine.
Road or trail shoes are suitable for the course; we would advise trail shoes if the days leading up to the race have been extremely wet.
The price for affiliated runners is just £15, while unaffiliated participants can sign up for £17 plus a booking fee of £2 entry on the day (subject to availability). It’s also worth noting, however, that this is very much first-come, first-served. You can grab your race ticket and bib for Sunday, 3 May, right HERE.
Danny Jones -
17th July 2024 
