Andoni Iraola gives green light to €100m forward deal

Andoni Iraola has been installed as Liverpool head coach.

The Spaniard, 43, has inked a two-year deal on Merseyside after leaving Bournemouth. Iraola - an ex-defender - spent three years on the south coast - winning plaudits for his high-intensity football and ability to improve players.

He comes to Anfield in order to replace Arne Slot - who lost his job as Liverpool head coach last week.

Slot was reportedly involved in transfer planning for the summer window - with the coach along with sporting director Richard Hughes identifying plenty of targets. Whether those same players remain in the frame with Iraola now in place remains to be seen.

But one report in TEAMtalk at least is claiming that the former Rayo Vallecano boss is on board with at least one Liverpool transfer priority.

Iraola green-lights Diomande deal

The outgoing Premier League champions have been chasing a deal for Yan Diomande. The Ivory Coast forward, 19, has enjoyed a breakthrough season at RB Leipzig and is set to shine at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Capable of playing left wing or right wing the young African superstar is the kind of player who can provide a unique one-v-one threat out wide.

Diomande has also got goals and assists to his game - hence Liverpool’s strong pursuit. Iraola has now offered his green light to the deal - with the Reds set to lose both Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa from the attack.

“Iraola has been briefed on Liverpool’s long-standing pursuit of the teenage Ivorian sensation,” the report reads.

“The Spaniard is a huge admirer of the winger, viewing him as an ideal fit for his attacking system.”

Diomande expected to remain with Leipzig

Leipzig remain in total control of Diomande’s transfer destiny. Under contract until 2030 the Bundesliga side are expected to demand €100m for his signature in the event that he leaves.

But with Champions League football on the horizon there are no guarantees that the Germans will cash in this summer.

“Despite the Merseyside club stepping up their efforts, RB Leipzig remain confident they can keep hold of one of the most exciting young talents in world football for at least another season,” the report reads.

There is an added complication in the presence of Paris Saint-Germain. Diomande is now on the record as a confirmed PSG fan - and the European champions could make space in their attack by selling Bradley Barcola.

But the smart money remains on Diomande staying with the Red Bull-owned club one year longer before heading to a bigger club like Liverpool or PSG.

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