Liverpool and Real Madrid among the teams eyeing teenage French defender

Liverpool are tracking the progress of Lille teenager Leny Yoro

Liverpool are one of several top European clubs tracking Lille teenager Leny Yoro, with Real Madrid also said to be admirers of the defender. The 17-year-old centre-back is regarded as one of the top young prospects in Ligue 1 currently.

According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Liverpool Echo), Yoro has attracted interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea. There is no shortage of competition for the youngster’s signature.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have beaten us to several key players in recent years and will now be keeping tabs on the Lille starlet as his reputation grows. Yoro only made his first-team debut for Lille earlier this season but has already impressed scouts with his maturity.

Standing at 6’2″ tall, the young Frenchman has the physical attributes to develop into a dominant defender. Liverpool are tipped to view Yoro as a potential long-term replacement for veteran Joel Matip. With Matip entering his thirties, Jurgen Klopp needs to plan for the future at centre-back.

Yoro fits the profile of a high-ceiling prospect who could be secured for a reasonable fee and moulded into a star.

Real Madrid have an extensive scouting network in France and also seem to be monitoring Yoro’s rapid rise. Chelsea and Manchester United’s interest highlights the widespread buzz growing around the 17-year-old. It remains to be seen whether Lille will allow the prodigy to leave in January though.

The French side is known for producing elite young talents like Yoro and then selling for huge profits. As long as he fulfils his potential, Liverpool should not back out of making a financial commitment.

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But Lille will also be aware of Yoro’s massive upside and may reject bids to keep developing him.

For now, Liverpool appear focused on laying the groundwork for a potential future swoop as they track his continued progress with interest. As long as Yoro continues to impress, the Reds’ recruitment team will remain keen.