Liverpool are among several Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande, according to reports in the Portuguese media.
Crystal Palace have been linked with the Ivorian in recent days, with The Telegraph having revealed that the Eagles have made an enquiry.
However, Portuguese tabloid A BOLA claim that, while Oliver Glasner’s side are interested, there at least three other English teams pursuing the centre-back too.
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Arne Slot’s side, Arsenal and Manchester United could also potentially “make an offer” along with Palace and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Sporting have set their asking price for Diomande
The Portuguese champions have reportedly told potential suitors that the 21-year-old will not leave unless a team matches their €60m (£50m) valuation.
Diomande is a highly rated young defender and, with so many clubs involved, Sporting are seemingly confident that their demands will be met this summer.
Arsenal have tracked the centre-half for several years, having considered buying him prior to his move to Portugal. Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has also worked with the player before.
Why are Liverpool interested in signing him?
The Reds were hopeful of winning the race for Dean Huijsen before Real Madrid secured his signature. The Merseysiders were willing to pay the Spaniard’s £50m release clause, and with Diomande available for pretty much the same amount, you can see why there are links to the player.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is clearly keen on reinforcing the club’s options in the middle of defence. At the moment, though, it is still not clear whether Diomande is high up the list of targets or whether another centre-back is preferred. Ajax’s Jorrel Hato and Benfica’s Tomas Araujo are also believed to be on the club’s radar.
In other news, Slot’s team are reportedly targeting a young Moroccan defender