Liverpool eyed a move for Yan Diomande before Real Madrid emerged as favourites to sign the RB Leipzig star but there are set to be more twists and turns before a transfer
Yan Diomande
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has called in sick according to reports(Image: Steph Chambers - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Negotiations for Yan Diomande have stalled after RB Leipzig did not respond to Real Madrid's latest offer. However, the winger has now 'called in sick' ahead of the Bundesliga side's friendly against Verl.
Leipzig informed Diomande that they planned for him to fly with the squad to their training camp in Austria, but the Ivory Coast winger hoped to avoid that, according to Sky Sports in Germany. His intention was not to participate in full team training even if he makes the trip.
The Liverpool target is keen to complete a transfer to the Bernabeu and hopes the clubs can reach an agreement. Los Blancos were surprised by Leipzig's lack of response.
While the Reds' hopes of landing Diomande remain all-but-over, the uncertainty perhaps leaves a small window ajar. Leipzig had been reluctant to sell Diomande before the push for Real, though.
The Merseyside club were offered a boost for another target in recent days, however. Paris Saint-Germain have made a breakthrough in their quest to sign Maghnes Akliouche, which would appear to pave way for a potential Bradley Barcola exit.
The Ligue 1 side's asking price could still prove prohibitive for the Reds, with a £145m valuation said to have been established for the Frenchman.
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Bradley Barcola looks on
Bradley Barcola's potential move to Liverpool has generated excitement among fans(Image: Getty Images)
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However, Barcola has reportedly given his verbal commitment to the transfer and PSG are the only remaining obstacle to overcome. The 23-year-old has two years remaining on his contract in France and it is claimed that he rejected an offer of talks for an extension.
Liverpool have not opened talks with PSG, but there has been some suggestion that the Champions League winners could soften their stance on Barcola's asking price. The alternative figure suggested is still a lofty £128.5m.
It is claimed that a price in excess of £100m would not deter Liverpool. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz arrived at Anfield in deals worth greater than that sum last summer.