Arne Slot is yet to bring in fresh faces at Liverpool this summer but it isn’t for want of trying.
The Reds are keen to bolster their options in central defence after Joel Matip left the club on a free transfer this summer.
One name that stands above all at the moment is talented Lille youngster Leny Yoro.
Both PSG and Liverpool had expressed real interest in snapping up the centre-back, only for La Liga giants Real Madrid to swoop in.
However, despite the player’s preference to complete a switch to the Bernabeu, Madrid are yet to agree a fee with Lille for Yoro.
READ MORE: Sources close to Liverpool say they won’t be signing £60m player this summer
Liverpool prepared to outbid Madrid for Yoro
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Ben Jacobs has shared the latest on Yoro’s future amid interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and Los Blancos.
The youngster is keen on a move to Madrid but Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, would be prepared to outbid the Spanish giants.
However, Yoro has just a year left on his deal with Lille and due to his preference to join Carlo Ancelotti’s men, it puts them in a strong position when it comes to negotiating a fee.
“I think with Leny Yoro, Liverpool are one of the clubs – along with Manchester United – that are really keen,” Jacobs said.
“I’m not aware of a formal bid at this stage, but the feeling from both Liverpool, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain – who tried for Yoro in January – is that Yoro wants Real Madrid.
“And the only thing the Premier League clubs have got which is an advantage, is they are prepared to pay a little bit more than Real are, and that gives them a stronger negotiation stance to go to Lille with.
“But the reality is that Lille have to be careful because if Real can’t agree a fee with Lille and Yoro only wants Real, then he can wait a year and ultimately move as a free agent.”
READ MORE: ‘Incredible’ player still struggling to find a new club after being released by Liverpool
Liverpool remain in contact over Yoro move
Despite Madrid being the obvious favourites to land Yoro at the moment, it would appear that Liverpool haven’t completely given up hope just yet.
It was claimed on Wednesday that the Reds have remained in direct contact with Lille over a move for the French youngster.
Yoro has turned heads with his displays in Ligue 1 last season, racking up 44 appearances and netting three goals.
At just 18, Yoro has been described as an ‘extraordinary’ talent and it’s easy to see why the likes of Liverpool and Madrid are battling for his signature.
Lille reportedly want around £43 million for the youngster this summer but with just a year left on his current deal, Madrid are hoping to land Yoro at a reduced price.
