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Iraola gets personally involved as Liverpool press ahead with exciting £112m signing - report

Liverpool have a major task on their hands this summer as they look to replace club legend Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian's nine-year spell at Anfield came to an end last month.

Across nine seasons, Salah made 442 appearances, registered 380 goal contributions and won a handful of trophies and personal accolades, including a Champions League and two Premier Leagues.

Given the scale of the job at hand, Liverpool are expected to sign at least two wingers this summer with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande the Reds' top target.

Leipzig are expected to demand a significant transfer fee in excess of £100million and Liverpool aren't the only ones showing interest in the Ivorian with PSG also pushing to sign the attacker. However, it looks as though the Reds have now made clear progress in their pursuit of Diomande.

Diomande wants to play for Andoni Iraola

Yan Diomande Ivory CoastAction Images

According to Liverpool reporter James William, Diomande is 'eager to join Iraola's plans' as the Reds make progress in their attempt to sign the 19-year-old.

Additionally, according to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have been in 'constructive dialogue' with Leipzig and Iraola is 'actively pushing' for his new employers to get a deal done.

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Liverpool need to find a Mohamed Salah replacement.

With a move to Merseyside seemingly Diomande's preference, it looks as though Liverpool are in a strong position to beat PSG or any other interested clubs to the teenager's signature.

However, the report from TEAMtalk adds that Leipzig are expected to demand a fee in the region of €130million, having only signed the winger from Leganes a year ago for around €20million.

Have Liverpool found their Salah replacement?

Mohamed Salah in the Champions League

Mohamed Salah in the Champions League

Whether they can get a deal over the line is yet to be seen, but it certainly feels as though Liverpool have found a suitable replacement for Salah in Diomande.

Still just 19, the teenager has significant potential and is already performing at a high level. Last season saw the winger score 13 goals and register 10 assists in 36 appearances for Leipzig, while he starred in the Ivory Coast's 1-0 win over Ecuador in their World Cup opener on Monday.

At his best, Salah was dynamic, versatile and potent in front of goal. Those are all characteristics Diomande is demonstrating with room for improvement that a move to a more competitive league like the Premier League will provide.

Salah's legacy at Anfield cannot be replicated but it does appear as though Liverpool have identified a winger who could significantly fill the void that the Egyptian is leaving behind.

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