Liverpool have opened talks with RB Leipzig over a deal to sign Yan Diomande, according to reports.
The 19-year-old was one of the standout performers in the Bundesliga last season with 12 goals and eight assists, and he went on to pick up the division’s Rookie of the Season award.
Diomande, who is 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 according to The Athletic, Liverpool have made the first move by starting discussions with RB Leipzig for the winger.
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The report adds that RB Leipzig are demanding at least €130 million (£112.4m) -a transfer fee which Liverpool could be ‘reluctant’ to meet given their desire to strengthen in multiple positions.
Liverpool have made the signing of a new right winger one of their top priorities following Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of last season.
Diomande, who helped RB Leipzig finish third in the Bundesliga last term, primarily plays on the right flank but is also capable of operating on the opposite wing.
Speaking this week, RB Leipzig’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schafer, insisted the German club remain in a strong position over Diomande’s future as the winger still has four years remaining on his contract and does not have a release clause.
‘We don’t have to accept any offer,’ Schafer told Sport Bild.
‘Yan has no release clause. That means we are in the driver’s seat and everyone else is in the back seat. We want to keep Yan Diomande, and he himself also sees his future at Leipzig for the time being.
‘I would question the work of top clubs if they weren’t monitoring Yan Diomande. He showed in his first Bundesliga season that he is not a one-season wonder, but a player with the potential for significantly more goals and assists. It is a compliment for him and for us that he is on the radar of these clubs. But we have objectives in three competitions, which he is also aware of.
‘Despite his young age, Yan looks at things very rationally and reflectively. He is also very grateful. We have also done a lot off the pitch to show all players that we are a family. For some players, these may be small things – for Yan, they have an impact.
‘One thing is clear – if Yan Diomande maintains his focus and work ethic, there are no limits for him.
‘It is extraordinary that a player with such attacking ability has the awareness to always help defensively and want to help. Yan is the player with the most won duels in the league, by a large margin – that’s crazy. RB have always rewarded such special performances. That’s why we are in close contact 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 chance to join PSG this summer.
‘Paris Saint-Germain is a team I’ve loved since I was little,’ Diomande said.
‘My father is a Paris Saint-Germain supporter, it’s a team I admire 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 end of last season, was quickly identified as the replacement for Arne Slot, who was sacked by Liverpool last week.
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