Liverpool have made Andoni Iraola the clear favourite to be the club's next manager following the shock dismissal of Arne Slot on Saturday, and they are already in talks over a potential big signing for the Spaniard.
Liverpool announced on Monday that they had sacked Slot following a disappointing season, which saw them finish 25 points adrift of champions Arsenal as they looked to defend the Premier League title they won in the Dutchman's debut campaign in charge.
While they did secure Champions League qualification by finishing fifth, they conceded more goals (53) than in any other Premier League season in their history, with club chiefs deciding it was time for change.
It makes sense too with some big changes happening on the pitch, with the exits of Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah already confirmed, while it was announced on Sunday that Ibrahima Konate will be leaving Anfield when his contract expires at the end of next month.
Liverpool have decided they want to appoint Iraola as Slot's successor, with formal talks expected to start this week.
The Spaniard led Bournemouth to an exceptional season in the English top flight, where they finished one place and three points behind the Merseyside club to secure qualification for the Europa League, all after losing Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City in January.
Liverpool Ahead in Race to Sign Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande
Liverpool have already decided they need to invest in their frontline this summer with Salah leaving the club, and RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande has emerged as one of their top winger targets.
According to Sport, some of the biggest clubs in Europe are interested in prising him away from the Bundesliga club this summer.
That includes Liverpool, who are considered to be ahead in the race for his signature, although Leipzig are said to be standing firm on their €100m (£87m) valuation of the exciting teenager.
According to Sport, the 19-year-old is leaning towards a switch to Anfield despite interest from other huge clubs like Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool In Talks With Diomande's Agents Over Terms
Yan Diomande of Ivory Coast celebrate during a 2025 AFCON Africa Cup of Nations game, Gabon vs Ivory Coast
The report adds that Liverpool have already started negotiations with the player's agents over personal terms for a move to the Premier League, and that his representatives have expressed the willingness for their client to join.
The Reds are said to have promised the Ivory Coast international a prominent role at Anfield following Salah's exit, including a starting position he wouldn't be guaranteed at PSG because of the quality options they have in that area of the pitch in Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, among others.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season with Leipzig, scoring 13 goals and providing a further 10 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions for the German club.
While the majority of his outings this term came from the right-hand side, where Salah lined up for Liverpool, he also made 10 appearances from the left too, to show his versatility.
Should he arrive at Anfield this summer, he would be competing with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak and Rio Ngumoha for a spot in Iraola's XI.