Liverpool want Leny Yoro but centre-back not a priority area in transfer plans

Liverpool's strong interest in Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro may point to a new centre-back being a certainty this summer - but it instead underlines how transfer priorities have changed at Anfield.

The Reds continue to monitor developments with 18-year-old defender Yoro, who has become one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe having made a huge impact since being handed his Ligue 1 debut as a 16-year-old two years ago.

With Yoro out of contract next year, Lille are keen to cash in on their most prized asset this transfer window, with the subsequently relative low price of around €50million prompting a number of potential suitors including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain ready to capitalise on the rare opportunity of an obvious talent being available for such a fee.

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Liverpool are among the group of interested parties although there is an acceptance the player prefers a move to Real Madrid. However, with the La Liga side thus far unable to thrash out a deal and reports in Spain indicating they have set a ceiling on the cost, the Reds are on standby to pounce if it becomes clear Yoro's future next season won't be at the Bernabeu.

The pursuit of Yoro, though, is regarded separate to Liverpool's expected transfer business this summer. And with new Reds head coach Arne Slot having had time to assess the squad and hold conversations with Richard Hughes, a new centre-back is at present not an immediate priority.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of central defenders in the past week, the latest being Crystal Palace's England international Marc Guehi and Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori. But the Reds believe they have sufficient options across a wide age range despite the loss of Joel Matip on a free transfer.

Three of the four senior centre-backs are at the European Championships. Approaching 33, skipper Virgil van Dijk is the most experienced and while now in the final season of his contract, talks over a new deal are likely to be accelerated after the tournament. Slot revealed on Wednesday his fellow Dutchman was the first player he called after being appointed Reds boss.

Despite rumoured interest in Van Dijk from Saudi Arabia - reports claiming Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr had already held discussions with representatives of the player have since backtracked to suggest such negotiations are now merely being planned - Liverpool have received no expressions of interest in their captain.

Ibrahima Konate, now 25, and 21-year-old Jarell Quansah were competing for a regular slot alongside Van Dijk during the second half of last season, with the former currently with France at the Euros while the latter only just missed out on a place in the England squad. And while Joe Gomez was largely used by Liverpool last season as a utility player, he is a centre-back by trade and has made Gareth Southgate's 26-man party.

Injuries, of course., could force Liverpool's hand while the interest in Yoro highlights their willingness to move should the right transfer be in the offing. For now, though, the Reds believe other areas of the squad require more immediate reinforcement.