Liverpool lead £87m transfer race for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande
Liverpool have moved ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande in a deal potentially worth £87m.
The Premier League club have identified the 19-year-old as a primary target as they scour the market for a successor to the departing Mohamed Salah.
The Ivorian international enjoyed a stellar breakout campaign in Germany, registering 13 goals and nine assists across 36 appearances last season.
European heavyweights circle teenage talent
Diomande only joined the Bundesliga outfit from Spanish side Leganes in July, but his rapid emergence has already attracted interest from across the continent.
While Anfield chiefs are now in a strong position to secure his signature, French champions PSG remain in the hunt but would need to sell players first to fund a bid.
However, Leipzig are desperate to retain the lightning-fast attacker for at least another year following their qualification for the Champions League.
Motivation from big-money transfer links
The highly-rated forward, who is under contract until June 2030, recently admitted that speculation regarding his future serves as a major inspiration.
“Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid to do this job… you’re going to be happy and motivated to do more.”
“I don’t think about it too much because my focus is on the pitch, my job is playing football, that takes care of everything but it gives me a lot of motivation to see people talking about me.”
Leipzig determined to block summer exit
Despite the looming interest from Merseyside, the German club’s hierarchy have publicly stated their intention to resist any lucrative offers.
Red Bull head of soccer Oliver Mintzlaff insists the teenage prodigy remains absolutely crucial to their immediate plans.
“If I were sporting director, I wouldn’t sell this young player, who hasn’t even completed a full season with us yet.”
“No matter what price is being offered, I believe he’s a player who still has room to develop, because he’s still very young and has the potential to become even more valuable.”