Liverpool gets Leny Yoro boost amid Man Utd battle as president outlines clear transfer plans

Liverpool has been handed a boost amid its reported pursuit of Lille defender Leny Yoro, with the Ligue 1 club confirming the teenager will likely be sold this summer.

The young centre-back has been on Liverpool's radar long before last season ended. With Joel Matip departing, reinforcements at the heart of defence are necessary, and Yoro is among several potential options.

Yoro has had a standout season with Lille, earning plaudits for his performances. The 18 year old featured in 44 games across all competitions, playing a vital role as Lille advanced to the Europa Conference League's quarter-finals before succumbing to Aston Villa.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Jeremie Frimpong 'edge', Ederson timeline, Mo Salah 'replacement'

READ MORE: Liverpool sends message to Alan Hansen as Reds legend seriously ill in hospital on 69th birthday

However, the Anfield side isn't alone in their admiration for Yoro. Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester United are also eager to secure his services. Yoro was in the stands to watch Real's Champions League final win recently but Marca claims United has made a decent contract offer.

Lille's president Olivier Letang brought some clarity to the situation during a press conference announcing Bruno Genesio's appointment as the new manager, replacing Paulo Fonseca. Letang confirmed that Yoro, along with teammate Jonathan David, have been granted permission to leave the club, reports the Liverpool Echo.

"We have two players who have an exit voucher, Leny (Yoro) and Jonathan (David)," Letang announced on Wednesday. "They will be allowed to leave."

There's been a lot of speculation about what Lille might ask for Yoro this summer, with figures ranging from $Xm (£Xm/€40m) to as high as $Xm (£Xm/€60m)

Yoro isn't the only centre-back Liverpool has reportedly got its eye on. The Reds have also been linked with Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio, Eintracht Frankfurt's Willian Pacho and Benfica's Antonio Silva.

Liverpool.com says: There is no doubt that Yoro is a very talented young player and he has a very bright career ahead of him. He may not be ready for Premier League football just yet but if Liverpool wasn't to get him now, the moment may well have passed in the future.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.