Liverpool's bid to sign RB Leizpig winger Yan Diomande may have just become harder following his man-of-the-match display for the Ivory Coast on Sunday night.
Liverpool know that they have lost Mohamed Salah this summer, and now work is underway to ensure they find a top-class replacement for the Egyptian, and someone who can be his heir for a number of years.
It is no surprise that the Reds have made Diomande their top target, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, with the 19-year-old having an outstanding breakthrough campaign for the Bundesliga outfit.
The teenager scored 13 goals and registered 10 assists in 36 appearances for the German club, which included a stunning hat-trick in a 6-0 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt.
The physically strong youngster has become one of the most sought-after talents on the continent after his performances last season, where he showcased his talents.
Not only did the Ivorian impress with his goal contribution numbers, but he completed more dribbles than any other player in the Bundesliga and destroyed many a full-back with his explosive pace and trickery.
Maybe the most impressive trait Diomande has though, is his ability to track back and help defensively too, which won't have gone unnoticed by any scouts watching him in action.
RB Leipzig Raising Liverpool Target Diomande's Price Tag
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande celebrates a goalREUTERS/Annegret Hilse
GMS sources have revealed that Liverpool have already made progress on the player side of the negotiations, with club chiefs confident that he 'would like to join' despite rival interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
€100m was the price tag that was mentioned for a while, with GMS senior correspondent Ben Jacobs suggesting that the price tag is going up each day.
Now, Fussball Daten claim that as the competition for his signature is intensifying, that €100m valuation has risen to €130m. The report also says that some market insiders believe a total package could cost €150m (£130m), given the potential of him producing more dominant performances at the World Cup.
The interest in Diomande isn't just limited to Liverpool and PSG however, with Fussball Daten claiming that the player's name is high on Real Madrid's list, while Bayern Munich are looking for someone in his position.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea are observing the player's situation from afar, although no approach is imminent with other positions in their squad higher priorities.
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Yan Diomande Explodes Onto the World Stage
Yan Diomande in action for Ivory CoastGonzalo Fuentes via Reuters
A lot of eyes, including those of Liverpool and PSG, would have been on Diomande when he was named in the starting XI for the Ivory Coast's World Cup opener against Ecuador on Sunday night.
The 19-year-old was on it from the very first whistle and he didn't disappointing any watching scouts with his display, as the African nation ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a late goal from Manchester United star Amad Diallo.
Diomande was outstanding throughout though, making five key passes and creating one big chance.
The teenager also showed just how effective he is in duels, winning 11 of the 15 he faced against the South Americans, while he showcased his dribbling ability with four of his six being successful.
Whoever lands the Ivorian will no doubt be getting a top player after what we saw against Ecuador.