Liverpool have joined the race to secure the services of highly-regarded Lille OSC defender Leny Yoro in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Téléfoot.
The 18-year-old, on the verge of breaking a potential transfer record should he depart Lille this summer, has established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the Ligue 1 this season, attracting attention from several top European clubs.
Among the interested parties are Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, both of whom have been linked to a move for Yoro. Despite the abundance of suitors, it is not anticipated that the young defender will leave Lille at the end of the season.
While PSG are reportedly facing financial constraints hindering a move this month, Yoro’s agent, Samir Khiat, told RMC Sport that his client is indeed a serious target for the Parisian club, as reported by Get French Football News.
Téléfoot claims that the France youth international could potentially command the highest fee for a Ligue 1 defender, surpassing the record set by Benjamin Mendy’s transfer from AS Monaco to Manchester City in the summer of 2017.
Mendy joined the defending Premier League champions in a deal worth £52m on a five-year deal – having played a pivotal role in helping Monaco secure their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years after moving from Marseille.
Yoro has made 23 appearances for Lille, contributing three goals across all competitions so far this campaign.
Liverpool’s interest in defensive reinforcements extends beyond Yoro, with reports linking them to fellow countryman Jean-Clair Todibo.
According to Get French Football News, Nice are demanding a substantial fee for Todibo, with Liverpool seemingly ahead of Manchester United in the race to secure the services of the French international during the summer transfer window.
Identifying Yoro and Todibo as long-term replacements for the soon-to-be free agent Joel Matip, Liverpool’s current defensive lineup features Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Joe Gomez as the primary reliable central defenders, complemented by academy graduate Jarell Quansah.
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