Chelsea lay out plan for priority Thiago Silva replacement after completing 'scouting mission'

Chelsea reportedly sent out their scouts to watch young Lille centre-back Leny Yoro in action as his side took on Premier League rivals Aston Villa in their Europa Conference League quarter-final clash on Thursday night.

Considered one of the best defensive starlets on the European stage, the 18-year-old has generated a lot of interest with his precision tackling, excellent footwork on the ball, and his large frame—something that has caught the eye of numerous Premier League clubs, including the Blues. However, they will face stiff competition if they're to bring him to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

According to Leny Yoro, per HITC, Arsenal also sent scouts to keep up with the star, who has less than 18 months left on his contract with the Ligue 1 side. While Lille have been constantly pursuing the option of a fresh deal in order to secure his services for the future, it appears as though the youngster is relishing the idea of a new challenge abroad, which has led to increased rumours around potential suitors this summer.

Fellow Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain are said to be interested, with major players Real Madrid and Manchester United also thought to have Yoro on their radar. Having only missed two league games this season for Paulo Fonseca's side after making his debut in the first-team at the start of this year, he's proven to be a valuable asset who has helped them to their current position of fourth in the table, only four points behind Stade Brest in second.

However, Yoro and company were unable to overcome what was a dominant Villa side on Thursday, with goals from Ollie Watkins and John McGinn proving to be the difference-makers. Bafode Diakite did pull a late goal back for Lille to give them hope of advancing