I know the 'next Raphael Varane' well and he's shocked me - but he's not ready for Man United yet

Emmanuel Petit has urged Leny Yoro to snub a transfer to the Premier League and stay at Lille. The 18-year-old defender has been heavily linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea recently as he continues to impress in the French top flight.

Yoro, who sees his contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy expire in 2025, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to superstardom this season. The France Under-21 international has featured 27 times in Ligue 1, helping Paulo Fonseca's side keep 14 clean sheets.

Not only has Yoro played a key role for Lille domestically but he's also helped Les Dogues progress to the Europa Conference League quarterfinals. On Thursday evening, Ollie Watkins netted twice against the teenager's side as Aston Villa clinched a 2-1 win in the first leg.

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The centre-half has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. The Old Trafford outfit are looking to sign at least one more centre-half with doubts over the futures of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.

While Yoro has caught the eye this season, reportedly courting the interest of numerous top European clubs, Petit has urged him to stay at Lille for the time being. Speaking to Genting Casino, the former Arsenal and Chelsea ace used William Saliba's development from his loan spells in France as a perfect example of taking time with a young player's progress..

"I know Leny Yoro well, I watch him in France, and he’s been nicknamed the next Raphael Varane," said Petit. "He was 16 when he started with the Lille first team and Jocelyn