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Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, with reports from The Athletic suggesting the club are prepared to submit a package worth close to €100million for the Ivory Coast international.
That figure represents an increase on Liverpool’s earlier proposal during discussions with their Bundesliga counterparts, as negotiations continue over Leipzig’s valuation of the 19-year-old.
Paris Saint-Germain remain in contention for Diomande but have yet to submit a formal bid, with the French champions still waiting for the forward to decide on his preferred destination.
PSG are currently trailing Liverpool in the race, both in terms of negotiations with Leipzig and on personal terms offered to the Ivory Coast international.
Liverpool are therefore in pole position, although they are continuing to assess alternative targets should a deal prove unworkable.
Among those options are Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh, FC Koln’s Said El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Liverpool have already completed the signing of Spain international Victor Munoz on a six-year deal.
Earlier reports suggested Liverpool were best placed to land Diomande after making contact with Leipzig, but the German club remain reluctant to sell and are pushing to extend his contract. Any deal would likely require a fee in excess of €130million.
Diomande, who missed only one Bundesliga match last season, registered 12 goals and nine assists in 33 league appearances as RB Leipzig finished third and secured Champions League qualification.
The forward is currently with the Ivory Coast at the World Cup, having started their opening group game against Ecuador.
Barely 18 months ago, Yan Diomande was playing for DME Sports Academy in Florida. Even a year ago, he was still relatively unknown, despite RB Leipzig investing €20m to sign him from Leganes.
Since then, Diomande has emerged rapidly, built on a fearless, attack-minded style. An energetic and relentless dribbler, he has quickly become known for his positivity on the ball and willingness to take defenders on.
That influence was evident in Ivory Coast’s World Cup opener against Ecuador, where he recorded the most touches, take-ons and chances created among his teammates, underlining his growing importance on the international stage.