Liverpool have reached a major breakthrough in their bid to make a blockbuster summer signing for new manager Andoni Iraola, according to reports in France.
Having appointed a new boss and lost key players from the Anfield dressing room in Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate, it has been clear that there will be changes to the playing squad before next season.
Liverpool have already got their summer business underway after signing left-winger Victor Munoz from under the noses of Premier League rivals Newcastle United, with the Spain international set to compete for a spot on the wing against Cody Gakpo, who has been linked with a move away from the club this summer.
The Reds could make a new addition in central midfield with links to the likes of Adam Wharton, Mateus Fernandes and Alex Scott of Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Bournemouth respectively, but securing a long-term replacement for Salah appears to be key to their summer plans.
The Merseysiders have identified RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as their number one target to replace the Egypt international, but finding an agreement with the German club has proved difficult as they demand up to €130m (£112m) for his services.
Liverpool have made one breakthrough to try and complete a deal though.
Diomande Agrees Personal Terms to Join Liverpool
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande celebrates a goalREUTERS/Annegret Hilse
According to French outlet MediaFoot, Liverpool and Iraola have been handed a big double boost in their bid to land Diomande in this transfer window.
The report claims that not only have the Reds reached an agreement with the Ivory Coast international over personal terms, but that Paris Saint-Germain are set to leave the race to sign the 19-year-old because of Leipzig's huge asking price.
Of course, Liverpool still need to find an agreement with the Bundesliga outfit on an acceptable price, but with buy-in from the player and a seemingly clear run at securing his services, they are in a strong position.
The Reds have already seen a bid worth €100m rejected by Leipzig, with the offer broken down as €80m plus €20m in add-ons, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
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Iraola Closing in on His Next Semenyo
Antoine SemenyoPhoto by Leonardo Ramirez/ Eyepix Group via Reuters
Make no mistake, Liverpool look like they will have to pay more than £100m if they want to sign Diomande, and that is clearly a huge fee for someone who has played one season of regular first-team football.
However, the 19-year-old's talent is there for all to see, as he displayed at the 2026 World Cup when he produced a man-of-the-match display in the Ivory Coast's opening group match win against Ecuador.
The teenager has explosive pace that sees him beat opposition full-backs easily, while he also has the trickery on the ball to turn defenders inside out.
What is most impressive about the teenager is the fact that he is producing solidly when it comes to goal contributions despite his tender years, while he has also shown brilliant work defensively to help his teammates at club and national level.
One German-based journalist has claimed that Diomande 'reminds him of Antoine Semenyo', who Iraola knows only too well from the duo's time together at Bournemouth.
If Liverpool can land Diomande, Iraola may well have found his next Semenyo to work with.