VAR VAR VOOM Liverpool in three-way transfer battle to buy ‘the next Varane’ as they target Van Djik successor

With star centre-back Virgil van Dijk turning 33 in July, the Reds are looking for a long-term successor at the back for the Dutchman.

Liverpool are chasing Lille's teenage defensive star Leny Yoro

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a number of targets over recent months.

Now a fresh report has thrown another name into the mix - Leny Yoro.

The star is only 18-years-old but already impressing in the first-team at French club Lille.

His displays at centre-half have seen him dubbed the "new Varane" as comparisons with Manchester United's French World Cup-winning ace continue to grow.

Telefoot have claimed that Real Madrid have been monitoring his progress for several months.

And now they are weighing up whether to make a move for the youngster.

But Paris Saint-Germain are also keen and want to keep him in Ligue 1.

However, Liverpool have now allegedly joined the chase and they are ready to fight both of the two European powerhouses for his signature.

Lille are determined to hang on to Yoro during the January window.

But that could prove to be a much tougher task come the summer if the big boys come knocking.

The France U21 international will then only have 12 months remaining on his deal.

Lille boss Paulo Fonseca has already gone on record to state that he expects big things for the starlet.

He stated: "He's a very mature player and I think he has a great future ahead of him."

And Sportskeeda have even joined in the speculation by claiming that Yoro could become "the most expensive defender to be sold by a Ligue 1 club in history".