A TRIO of Premier League clubs face a huge battle with Real Madrid to snap up French wonderkid Leny Yoro.
The defender is only 18 but is already impressing in his homeland for Lille’s first-team.
His performances have led to him being dubbed the “new Raphael Varane” due to similarities with Manchester United’s French World Cup-winning ace.
We revealed previously how Liverpool were eyeing him up as a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
Man United and Chelsea also have an interest in bringing him to England while Paris Saint-Germain hope to keep him in Ligue 1.
Now Spanish outlet AS claims that Real Madrid are lining up a move to add another teenage sensation to their ranks after securing the services of Endrick – the 17-year-old who scored Brazil’s winner against England on Saturday.
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The same outlet also reiterates how Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Yoro and that Bayern Munich have an interest also.
But they are adamant that Madrid are in pole position to land him as they look to inject youth in their ageing backline.
Lille were determined to hang on to Yoro during the January window and managed to succeed with that but it could prove to be a lot harder come the summer.
The French U21 international will be entering the final 12 months on his deal.
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They were originally reported to be holding out for £85m when French rivals PSG enquired two months ago.
However, this update states that his price-tag is now £51m.
That could also make him the most expensive defender to be sold by a Ligue 1 club ever.
Paulo Fonseca, his boss at Lille, has already gone on record to state that he expects big things for the starlet.
He said: “He’s a very mature player and I think he has a great future ahead of him.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
