Liverpool have opened talks with RB Leipzig over a deal to sign Yan Diomande, in response to reports.
The 19-year-old was one in all the standout performers within the Bundesliga last season with 12 goals and eight assists, and he went on to choose up the division’s Rookie of the Season award.
Diomande, who’s with Ivory Coast’s squad ahead of their World Cup campaign, has attracted interest from Liverpool, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the summer transfer window.
But in response to The Athletic, Liverpool have made the primary move by starting discussions with RB Leipzig for the winger.
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The report adds that RB Leipzig are demanding no less than €130 million (£112.4m) -a transfer fee which Liverpool could possibly be ‘reluctant’ to fulfill given their desire to strengthen in multiple positions.
Liverpool have made the signing of a brand new right winger one in all their top priorities following Mohamed Salah’s departure at the tip of last season.
Diomande, who helped RB Leipzig finish third within the Bundesliga last term, primarily plays on the correct flank but can also be able to operating on the other wing.
Speaking this week, RB Leipzig’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schafer, insisted the German club remain in a powerful position over Diomande’s future because the winger still has 4 years remaining on his contract and doesn’t have a release clause.
‘We don’t have to just accept any offer,’ Schafer told Sport Bild.
‘Yan has no release clause. Which means we’re in the driving force’s seat and everybody else is within the back seat. We would like to maintain Yan Diomande, and he himself also sees his future at Leipzig in the intervening time.
‘I’d query the work of top clubs in the event that they weren’t monitoring Yan Diomande. He showed in his first Bundesliga season that he shouldn’t be a one-season wonder, but a player with the potential for significantly more goals and assists. It’s a compliment for him and for us that he’s on the radar of those clubs. But we’ve got objectives in three competitions, which he can also be aware of.
‘Despite his young age, Yan looks at things very rationally and reflectively. He can also be very grateful. We have now also done loads off the pitch to indicate all players that we’re a family. For some players, these could also be small things – for Yan, they have an effect.
‘One thing is evident – if Yan Diomande maintains his focus and work ethic, there aren’t any limits for him.
‘It’s extraordinary that a player with such attacking ability has the notice to at all times help defensively and wish to assist. Yan is the player with probably the most won duels within the league, by a big margin – that’s crazy. RB have at all times rewarded such special performances. That’s why we’re in close contact along with his agency.’
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of Ivory Coast’s World Cup warm-up friendly against France, Diomande made it clear that he would welcome the prospect to hitch PSG this summer.
‘Paris Saint-Germain is a team I’ve loved since I used to be little,’ Diomande said.
‘My father is a Paris Saint-Germain supporter, it’s a team I like as a football fan.’
Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola was at Liverpool’s training ground in Merseyside on Thursday to finalise his move to Anfield.
The 43-year-old, who left Bournemouth at the tip of last season, was quickly identified because the substitute for Arne Slot, who was sacked by Liverpool last week.
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