Liverpool transfers: Yoro links have 'substance' but Reds expect Madrid move

Liverpool are only in for one player during the summer transfer window - Lille centre back Leny Yoro - and they expect him to move to Real Madrid. 

That’s according to James Pearce in the Athletic, who claims that the rumour mill around Anfield is currently in “overdrive” despite a lack of transfer activity this summer. 

It's not what fans will want to hear from Richard Hughes - the new sporting director - and Michael Edwards - FSG's CEO of Football, with supporters expecting the squad to be improved from last season.

The Reds have been linked with plenty of players during the off-season, their first in the post-Jurgen Klopp era, with centre backs, midfielders and wide attackers the most frequently mentioned positions to be filled. 

Contract uncertainty over Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold - whose terms expire in 2025 - mean long-term solutions are being sought in defence and on the wings. 

Nonetheless, only the links with Yoro have got “real substance”, according to Pearce. And, even so, the club believe he will end up at Real Madrid. 

Yoro, 18, is also out of contract in 2025 and Lille will not want to lose their academy star for nothing next summer. 

Reds ready to pounce for Yoro

The defender has been linked with Liverpool, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid with the player’s preference reported to be the Bernabeu. 

Real have been thus far reluctant to meet Lille’s asking price of €60 million but are prepared to go to around €40m for the French under-21 standout. 

Former Real player and manager Zinedine Zidane, meanwhile, has intervened and recommended that the European champions sign Yoro sooner rather than later. 

Should they fail to get a deal done then it’s been widely documented that Liverpool will attempt to pick up the pieces and make a deal. 

Liverpool have lost Joel Matip after the expiry of his contract and need to add to their centre back options.