Liverpool are closing in on a deal to appoint Andoni Iraola as their new manager, and they are also making progress on their first signing of the summer.
The Reds sacked Arne Slot at the weekend following a poor campaign, where they finished 5th in the Premier League following 13 defeats and over 50 goals conceded for the first time. The Spaniard is expected to take over imminently, with talks ongoing, but it hasn't put the club's plans in the transfer market on the back burner either.
One of the top priorities of the window is expected to be a new winger, with Mohamed Salah departing the club, Federico Chiesa's place in the squad under threat, and Hugo Ekitike unlikely to play again until 2027, and they are pushing to make additions early on.
Liverpool Ready to Pay £86m for Diomande
Yan Diomande
According to a report by journalist Gianluigi Longari for Sport Italia, Liverpool are the club in the most advanced talks with RB Leipzig over a deal for Yan Diomande.
The winger, who has been described as 'outrageous', is one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market this summer, having enjoyed a stunning debut campaign with the Bundesliga side following his move from Leganes last summer.
Those performances have seen Leipzig slap a €120m (£103.7m) asking price on his head, as they look to offer him a new contract with a pay increase, while including a release clause that would see him stay put for another season at least.
However, Liverpool have no intention of paying that much, although they would be willing to pay €100m (£86m) to secure his signature ahead of their rivals. It's reported that Anfield chiefs are looking at a deal for an initial €80m (£69m) plus another €20m (£17.2m) in add-ons, tied primarily to player appearances, as well as team performances and objectives.
Negotiations are continuing in the early stages, with the coming weeks considered to be key. Diomande is very open to making the switch to Merseyside, and his desire could prove vital.
Diomande is Liverpool's Top Target
Yan Diomande of Ivory Coast celebrate during a 2025 AFCON Africa Cup of Nations game, Gabon vs Ivory Coast
Diomande has established himself as one of the best wingers around this season, and despite being just 19, it's no surprise that some of the top clubs in the world are pushing to sign him.
Liverpool have the advantage in the race as they have money to spend, and the player has grown up as a fan of the club. But £86m is still a huge amount of money, and going above that for someone who only has limited experience at the highest level would be a major gamble.
It won't be easy to convince Leipzig to sell, but if they can find an agreement with Diomande it may be enough to give them the leverage needed to get a deal done.
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