Liverpool handed major Leny Yoro boost as club president confirms transfer plans

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their reported quest to sign Lille defender Leny Yoro.

The Reds have been credited with an interest in signing Yoro even before last season came to a close. Centre-back is likely to be an area of the squad Liverpool look to strengthen following the departure of Joel Matip as a free agent.

Yoro has been widely tipped to leave Lille this summer after an impressive season in Ligue 1. The 18-year-old defender made 44 appearances for the French club in all competitions and helped Lille reach the quarter-final of the Europa Conference League before losing to Aston Villa.

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As well as Liverpool, a host of other clubs have been credited with an interest in signing Yoro. The Reds will reportedly face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester United for his signature.

Lille president Olivier Letang gave a press conference on Wednesday, where the club introduced Bruno Genesio as their new manager to replace Paulo Fonseca. While speaking to the media, Letang offered an update on Yoro's future which will hand a boost to any clubs interested in the defender's signature.

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

Various reports have provided updates on what price tag Lille would demand to allow Yoro to leave the club this summer. Rumours have claimed that Lille's asking price could range anywhere from €40 million (£34m) up to €60m (£51m).

Yoro is just one centre-back to be linked with a move to Anfield this summer. Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in Sporting Lisbon star Gonaclo Inacio, Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho and Benfica's Antonio Silva in recent months.