Liverpool are said to have fresh competition over their prime winger target this summer. The Reds are hoping to land a new attacker this summer despite having already snapped up Spain star Victor Muñóz on an early-summer deal, with Mo Salah's departure leaving an almighty hole at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola will want to fill that hole, but he must also be cognisant of the other needs within his squad, with a winger likely to cost big money. At this point, it's clear RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande is the prime target, but there is now fresh competition amid an eye-water price tag.
Real Madrid enter the race for Diomande
Yan Diomande in action for Ivory CoastGonzalo Fuentes via Reuters
According to El Debate, Real Madrid have now entered the race for Diomande as José Mourinho looks to bolster his own attack. Los Blancos do have Vinicius Jr on the left, but there is potential for Diomande to play on the other side, given Rodrygo is going to be out until winter time following his long-term injury.
Real Madrid have the financial power to compete with Liverpool and PSG, who are said to be the main competitors for Diomande at this point, and it's no secret Los Blancos club president Florentino Perez wants a Galactico signing this summer to back up his presidential promise of delivering one, even if fans already know that promise was an empty one.
What will help Liverpool and PSG is that Mourinho is said to be prioritising a high-profile midfield signing, with Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez being linked, and it's unlikely the Spanish giants will spend another €100million on another single player after they address the midfield.
Still, there is cause for concern for Liverpool, who are now reportedly preparing a fresh offer worth £103.5million, which would be staggering money to pay for a 19-year-old.
Liverpool think Diomande is worth the money
Yan Diomande Ivory CoastAction Images
The Reds clearly believe Diomande is generational talent in the making, given they are willing to pay so much for a player who is relatively unproven. Diomande's World Cup performances are also helping keep the asking price ticking upwards, as is interest from PSG, who could sell Bradley Barcola this summer.
Former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp agrees with the assessment of Diomande, too, recently saying: "Diomande is one of the best wingers in the world right now. He is unstoppable in one-on-one situations. Nobody defends Diomande for 90 minutes."
That is high praise, given the standard of wingers at this World Cup, and Klopp is clearly a fine assessor of football talent.
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