Real Madrid are ahead of the likes of Inter Milan and PSG in the race to sign teenage defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
This according to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews. The newspaper report that Lille are hoping for a rather ambitious €100 million valuation for the 18-year-old.
Yoro is a player who has been enjoying a real breakout campaign for Lille this season.
Despite his young age, the Frenchman has become a fixture in the starting eleven under coach Paulo Fonseca.
Yoro is one of the main reasons why Lille had been willing to sell one-time Inter target Tiago Djalo to Juventus during the January transfer window.
And the teenage defender’s form has only been continuing to improve over the course of the season.
Yoro has made a total of 23 appearances in Ligue 1 this season. He leads the Lille squad for minutes on the pitch among outfield players.
Real Madrid Lead Inter & PSG In The Race To Sign Lille Defender Leny Yoro
Yoro’s excellent form this season has not escaped the attention of some of European football’s biggest clubs.
Tuttosport note that Inter consider the Frenchman to be among their targets.
The Nerazzurri will likely be looking to reinforce at centre-back next summer.
With Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi both well into their thirties, Inter will have an eye to the future in terms of the central position in their back three.
And given that Yoro is just eighteen years of age, he would certainly be a prospect with real room for growth.
However, Inter would be far from alone in considering Yoro a target.
Tuttosport report that French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on the 18-year-old. They have seen first-hand the quality that the young defender possesses.
However, the newspaper anticipates, it is Real Madrid who lead the chase to sign Yoro.
A key factor would be the preference of the player himself. Tuttosport reports that Yoro has prioritized wearing the shirt of Los Blancos next season.
The price tag could also certainly come into play as far as determining where Yoro’s next destination will be.
Tuttosport report that Lille, recognizing the 18-year-old’s talents, are currently holding out for €100 million.
However, Yoro’s contract with the 2020-21 French champions runs out at the end of June 2025. So that could certainly play a factor in negotiations.
Tuttosport anticipate that a fee of closer to €30 million would be more likely as far as an eventual transfer of Yoro.
Or, conversely, a club could try and wait until Yoro’s contract with Lille expires. However, that would look to be a risky strategy considering the competition that has arisen for the player’s signature.
