Real Madrid are set to beat Liverpool and Manchester United to the signing of highly-rated youngster Leny Yoro in the summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Lille last season, making 32 Ligue 1 appearances in the centre of defence to help the club qualify for the Uefa Champions League.
The French youth international’s form has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain as well as Liverpool and United.
But Real are stealing a march in the race for the teenager’s signature, as they are ‘progressing in talks’ with Lille, according to The Athletic.
Yoro, who is said to be ‘keen’ on a move to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, could leave in a deal worth £33.8 million (€40m).
The defender is reportedly ‘open’ to letting his contract run down and leave a on a free transfer next summer, when his contract expires, if a deal cannot be agreed this year.
Yoro is expected to a sign six-year contract, with the player said to be happy in terms of the salary offered by the Spanish club.
Real Madrid are looking to sign a new defender following the departure of Nacho Fernandez, while Man Utd are in the market for reinforcements to their own backline after Raphael Varane left Old Trafford. They have been linked with Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Liverpool, meanwhile, need to fill the gap in their squad left by Joel Matip, who exited Anfield at the end of his contract this summer. Centre-back Virgil van Dijk has also been linked with a move away, but the Reds reportedly want to keep hold of the Dutchman.
