Liverpool given warning over 'next Raphael Varane' also wanted by Real Madrid

Liverpool have been told that Leny Yoro will not leave LOSC Lille during the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old centre back has emerged as one of the brightest talents in France, starting 16 of Lille's 18 Ligue 1 outings so far in 2023/24, as they chase European qualification. The young defender has also scored twice this season.

Yoro, who made his debut for France Under-21s last year, has even been dubbed 'the next Raphael Varane' and has been linked with some of Europe's top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool.

The Reds are known to be on the lookout for defensive reinforcements in 2024. A left-sided centre back has been on the agenda for some time, while there have been some suggestions that the club could look at further recruits due to Joel Matip's injury and contract situation.

A previous report from France claimed Lille want a 'totally crazy amount' in the region of €90m (£78m) to sell their star asset, who they are still hopeful of convincing to sign a contract extension on his current deal (which runs until 2025).

However, that set figure has since been dismissed by Lille president Olivier Letang, who is adamant the teenager will not switch clubs this month.

"Yoro will not leave in January, so there are no negotiations," Letang told Le Parisien. "I read somewhere that I had set a price. [That is also] completely false."

Meanwhile, Anfield Watch understands that the Reds are interested in Bayer Leverkusen's versatile defender Piero Hincapie, who can play as a left or centre back.

Liverpool made enquiries about a January deal, but saw those advances rejected with the table-topping German side chasing Bundesliga glory.

Chelsea's Levi Colwill remains another defender the Reds admire, while Ko Itakura (Bourssia Monchengladbach), Gonaclo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande (both Sporting CP) are other players who have been linked with a summer move.