Chelsea 'scout' perfect Thiago Silva replacement as Todd Boehly transfer plan outlined

Chelsea are weighing up defensive options to replace Thiago Silva next season and have reportedly scouted Lille's Leny Yoro several times this season.

Silva, 39, will leave Chelsea when the season ends unless he agrees a contract extension. But the club appear more likely to recruit new players to improve their squad after an underwhelming season thus far.

Reports in recent weeks have credited the Blues with an interest in Yoro. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also understood to be monitoring the centre-back.

Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande and Jean-Clair Todio from Nice are other names linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea have sent scouts 'many times' to watch Yoro this season, though no formal approach has been made.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer journalist said: «Real Madrid are, as I told you many times, regularly scouting Leny Yoro — the centre-back of Lille. They know that Paris Saint-Germain are also very interested, Chelsea have sent their scouts on a regular basis also to follow Yoro.

»Chelsea know the player very well. PSG wanted to sign the player in January but Lille President Olivier Letang said no. PSG are still there, they are still fighting for Yoro but PSG also know Real Madrid are into it, that Real Madrid are pushing and Real Madrid want to sign Yoro this summer.

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«They don't want to make it too late as they believe Yoro is going to be an important talent for the present and future. So, Real Madrid and PSG keep working on Yoro. At the