Liverpool are now leading their Premier League rivals in the race for a "special" forward, who could be brought in as a long-term Mohamed Salah replacement.
Reds eyeing Salah heir despite impressive form
There were some concerns Salah's comments about Arne Slot could've spelled the end for the Egyptian at Anfield, but he has been in much-improved form since returning from AFCON, chipping in with five goal contributions in his last five outings.
Most recently, the 33-year-old starred in the 3-0 FA Cup triumph against Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring the third goal from the penalty spot as the Reds booked their place in the fifth round.
Slot was left very impressed by the forward's all-round display, saying: "It is very nice to have him on the scoresheet again, but what I like the most is he’s scoring goals – you can almost expect that – but he also helps the team a lot defensively and that is something very positive."
However, with Salah's contract set to expire at the end of next season, bringing in a long-term replacement remains important, and there has now been a new update on the Merseysiders' pursuit of RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are now leading their Premier League rivals in the race for Diomande, but a deal could be on the expensive side, with RB Leipzig setting an asking price of at least £87m.
Yan Diomande for RB Leipzig
Such is the Reds' level of interest in the forward, they sent scouts to watch him in action against Wolfsburg at the weekend, and there is a belief his ability to play on the right means he could be a suitable heir for Salah.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and in particular Newcastle United are also keen on signing the 19-year-old, so there could be fierce competition for his signature, but Liverpool's interest is the most advanced.
"Special" Diomande could be ideal Salah heir
Scouts are likely to have been left impressed by the teenager's performance against Wolfsburg last time out, given that he scored Leipzig's opening goal in the 2-2 draw, while also completing six dribbles, more than any other player.
Lauded as a "special player" by journalist Bence Bocsak, the Ivorian youngster has eight goals and five assists to his name in the Bundesliga this season, and he is a duel-winning monster too, having won 262, the highest number in the Bundesliga.
As such, Diomande could be an excellent long-term addition to Slot's squad, but he would be one of the most expensive signings in the Reds' history, given the £87m asking price.
With Diomande yet to prove himself over an extended period of time, that would be a huge fee to shell out, and Leipzig are in a strong negotiating position, as he remains under contract to 2030, so it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible.
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Liverpool are looking to bolster their options out wide in the summer.