Liverpool reportedly fail with a bid to sign 18-year-old Lille defender Leny Yoro, who is favouring a move to Real Madrid.
Liverpool have reportedly been named as the Premier League club that had a bid rejected for Lille defender Leny Yoro.
The centre-back is attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe after impressing during the 2023-24 campaign.
Yoro started 30 of Lille’s 34 Ligue 1 matches, helping his side concede just 34 league goals and keep 15 clean sheets – only Nice recorded more shutouts in the French top-flight last season.
Although his side achieved Champions League qualification, it appears unlikely that Yoro will remain at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy for next term, especially after manager Paulo Fonseca left his post to take over the reins at AC Milan.
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Liverpool revealed as Yoro bidder
Yoro is out of contract at the end of the 2024-25 season and has shown no willingness to extend his stay with the French club.
As a result, the summer transfer window represents one final chance for Lille to command a considerable fee for their academy product.
A recent report claimed that an unnamed Premier League have already had a bid rejected for Yoro, who is seemingly reluctant to complete a move to England.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool were the club that failed with a €50m (£42.2m) offer, falling below Lille’s €60m (£50.6m) asking price.
The report claims that Liverpool, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are all continuing to pursue Yoro, but the teenager is leaning towards a move to European champions Real Madrid.
However, the Spanish giants are unwilling to meet Lille’s valuation, denting Yoro’s hopes of completing a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.
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What are Liverpool’s alternative options?
Liverpool may still harbour hopes of reaching an agreement with Lille and convincing the defender to join Arne Slot‘s side.
But, they will continue to consider alternative targets as they look to strengthen a defence that is in need of reinforcements following Joel Matip‘s departure.
Liverpool have reportedly enquired about Stuttgart’s Waldemar Anton, while they have also been linked with Juventus youngster Dean Huijsen.
Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio are among the other names that have been mooted as potential targets.