Leny Yoro transfer: Real Madrid and defender's feelings clear on Liverpool

Liverpool remains in the race to sign French teenage sensation Leny Yoro despite the player's wish to join Real Madrid this summer.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakout season with Lille in Ligue 1 last season, making 32 appearances as his team finished in fourth place. The center-back has a long list of suitors as a result, including the Reds, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United.

Real is also circling, with Lille President Olivier Letang confirming that Yoro and striker Jonathan David will both be allowed to leave the club this summer due to their contract situations. The player has made it known that a move to Madrid is his preference, but it remains to be seen if Los Blancos will pull the trigger on a move.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool, United and PSG remain encouraged that a deal can be done, with all three refusing to give up despite Real being in pole position at this stage. The mood in Madrid, meanwhile, is calm with the club fresh off La Liga and Champions League triumphs and landing a landmark deal for superstar free agent Kylian Mbappe.

Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon reports Real is not worried about the strong interest from PSG, Liverpool and United in Yoro, with the players' wish to move to the Spanish capital inspiring confidence that he will end up at the Santiago Bernabeu by the end of the summer.

A center-back is a priority for Liverpool in this summer's transfer window as CEO Michael Edwards resumes control of recruitment matters after the departure of Jurgen Klopp and the arrival of Arne Slot.

Virgil van Dijk remains among the best central defenders on the planet but turns 33 next month, while Joel Matip was released at the end of last season as persistent injury issues held him back. Ibrahmia Konate delivered an unconvincing season, starting just 45 per cent of Liverpool's Premier League games and spending seven of the final 10 matches on the bench as an unused substitute.

Homegrown prospect Jarell Quansah enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, but he remains in the infancy of his development and Slot would surely welcome further options in his squad as he prepares to build a team that can challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for the title next season.

Yoro has just one year remaining on his contract in northern France, prompting Lille to cash in this summer. But despite having just 12 months remaining on his deal, the teenager – who is yet to be capped by his country – is sure to command a huge transfer fee with the biggest clubs in Europe chasing his signature.

Real is the clear favorite to seal the deal, but Liverpool is ready to pounce if he becomes available.