Lille's Leny Yoro 'favours Real Madrid move over Manchester United, Chelsea'

Yoro rose through the youth ranks with the French club, before making his first-team debut in a 3-1 win over Nice in May 2022.

Since earning his senior bow, the 18-year-old has gone on to make a total of 51 appearances, chipping in with three goals during that time.

The teenager has been a regular fixture in Paulo Fonsenca's side this season, having started 24 of Lille's 26 Ligue 1 matches.

Yoro has ultimately played a crucial role in helping Lille record 14 clean sheets in the top flight this season - a tally that can only be matched by Nice.

Despite being in the early stages of his career, Yoro's performances have led to interest from several of Europe's biggest clubs.

Man United have sent scouts to watch the youngster in action, while Chelsea have identified him as a potential replacement to Thiago Silva.

There have also been links with Manchester City, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, but it appears that Real Madrid could be leading the race to secure his signature.

According to Marca, Yoro has informed Lille of his desire to join the Spanish giants in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report suggests Lille have set the player's asking price at around €100m (£85.4m), but Real Madrid are keen to negotiate a fee between €30m (£25.6m) and €40m (34.2m).

As it stands, the centre-back is refusing to renew his current Lille contract which is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.

With Yoro close to entering the final year of his deal, the summer transfer window could present one final chance for Lille to obtain a significant fee for their academy product.

Real Madrid's pursuit of Yoro is not expected to be hampered by the player's representative Jorge Mendes despite speculation suggesting the club's relationship with the agent has deteriorated in recent years.

While there may be uncertainty surrounding his future, the defender's current focus will be on helping Lille achieve Champions League qualification, with the fourth-placed side currently sitting three points adrift of the top three.