Man Utd and Liverpool go head to head for Leny Yoro

Manchester United and Liverpool are to battle to complete the signing of Lille centre-back Leny Yoro. The 18-year-old is regarded as one of France's best young players and could be allowed to leave current club Lille for a fee of 40 million euros.

Born in Saint-Maurice, Yoro is now a regular first-team starter for his club, having appeared 46 times in Ligue 1 for Lille. It is understood that the French side are resigned to losing their prized asset this summer, amidst the interest of Premier League sides.

Raphael Varane will depart Old Trafford on a free transfer, and Yoro is the name to replace the former Real Madrid defender. Real Madrid have also shown interest in Yoro, but are unwilling to match the French club's price tag.

Many in France expect Yoro to partner Arsenal defender William Saliba at the heart of the national side's central defence for many years to come. Liverpool are keen to find a long-term successor for Virgil van Dijk and in Yoro believe that they could acquire the continent's best young centre-back.