Lille's clear 'transfer stance' on Leny Yoro emerges amid Man Utd transfer links

LOSC Lille president Olivier Letang insists young defender Leny Yoro is not for sale this month amid reported interest from Manchester United.

United are among several top European clubs to have been linked with a move for Yoro, who is enjoying a second season of regular football in France. The 18-year-old has 17 appearances and is a key part of the league's joint-second strongest defence, having conceded just 14 goals in 18 games.

Such form has attracted the interest not just of United but also the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. But while clubs are free to scout the teenager, Letang insists any approach this month will be knocked back and reports of a price-tag are false.

"Yoro will not leave in January, so there are no negotiations, no discussions contrary to what some suggest," Letang told Le Parisien. "I read somewhere that I had set a price, which is completely false."

Lille's stance on Yoro may actually benefit United, who are not in the market for major investment this month anyway. Central defence is a key area to strengthen in the summer and Erik ten Hag is particularly keen to lower the age profile in that area.

Three of United's current options at the back are 30 or above and two - Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans - are out of contract in June. Harry Maguire, meanwhile, was up for sale last summer and while he did enjoy a spell of good form, it is unclear whether he fits into Ten Hag's long-term plans.

Victor Lindelof saw a 12-month extension in his contract activated earlier this month but did so at the same time as Hannibal Mejbri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the former since joining Sevilla on loan with an option to buy and the latter reportedly for sale in the summer. United have often extended contracts to protect the value of players they plan to cash in on in the future.

Links to central defenders have been increasingly common this month and United are known admirers of another defender excelling in France, OGC Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo. Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Ronald Araujo of Barcelona are also thought to be on the club's radar.