Good news as RB Leipzig admit defeat over Yan Diomande

Liverpool are conducting a very high-profile transfer chase for Yan Diomande.

The Ivorian attacker, 19, joined RB Leipzig from Leganes for a bargain £18m fee last summer. He inked a five-year deal with the German club and his progress in the months since then has been absolutely rapid.

Diomande scored 13 goals in his first Bundesliga season and has been on the radar for Liverpool for the last few months.

The outgoing Premier League champions firmed up their interest in the Cote d’Ivoire FIFA World Cup star last week in the form of an official bid.

Liverpool knocked back in Diomande bid

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was willing to pay up to €100m for Diomande - comprising €90m upfront and another €10m payable as add-ons.

Leipzig immediately knocked back the Reds’ offer - holding all the cards considering the duration of Diomande’s contract. But there are signs of the Red Bull-owned club cracking behind the scenes.

A report from Lewis Steele claims that while Leipzig are posturing for the cameras the reality inside the corridors of power is playing out a lot differently.

Red Bull cracking behind the scenes

“Publicly, Leipzig are saying Diomande is not for sale at any price – and want him to sign a new deal with a release clause – but there is an understanding internally that they most likely will be forced to let him go this summer,” the report reads.

Leipzig have recently sacked head coach Ole Werner - replacing him with former Argentina defender Martin Demichelis.

Getting rid of Werner and his staff is going to cost RB Leipzig a pretty penny - reportedly eating into their budget for the summer transfer window.

Reports have already been prominent that Leipzig needed to make around €100m worth of sales in the current market - with Castello Lukeba and Lutsharel Geertruida reportedly among those up for sale.

Liverpool agreement with Diomande edging closer

But it’s Diomande and not the other squad members who are attracting the most interest - leading to the belief that a deal for the emerging African star could be done.

Liverpool are expected to return with a new bid soon for Diomande - one that could reach €120m and prove irresistible to Leipzig.

And so while claims go on that the Bundesliga side are planning a new contract for Diomande - and an accompanying pay rise - the picture seems to be that they are making plans to facilitate an outbound deal this summer.

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