Liverpool's £100m pursuit of Yan Diomande receives boost after Barcelona latest
Liverpool have received a major boost in their attempts to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer.
The 19-year-old is on Liverpool's radar this summer, as the club look to replace Mohamed Salah, who has confirmed he is departing at the end of the season.
Diomande has had a stellar first season at RB Leipzig, meaning Liverpool are not the only club interested in signing the teenager.
RB Leipzig will be looking to make a sizeable profit on Diomande, after only signing him from La Liga club Leganes for £18million last summer.
Alongside Salah, Liverpool could lose Federico Chiesa this summer, and they may need to add more options to their attack after Hugo Ekitike suffered a long-term Achilles injury.
Barcelona end Yan Diomande pursuit
Spanish newspaper Sport reports that Barcelona have "abandoned the dream" of signing Diomande due to his £100m price tag.
The Catalan club could only make a deal work if they do not extend Marcus Rashford's time at the club from Manchester United, or if they sell Raphinha for a big fee.
| Games Started | 24 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Chances Created | 50 |
| Successful Dribbles | 59% |
Barcelona will focus on signing a striker and a centre-back instead, meaning Liverpool face less competition for Diomande's services.
Man United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all registered interest though in Diomande, so Liverpool need to ensure they achieve Champions League qualification this season.
Liverpool's summer transfer budget revealed
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool will look to make £100m from player sales this summer.
Borson can't see the Reds spending over £250m on new signings, meaning sales would be required to boost their transfer kitty further.
Diomande's hefty price tag, and Liverpool's need to rebuild their squad, makes player sales likely if the Ivorian is to make the move to Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are two players that could command interest and a high fee this summer.
Alongside a new forward, Liverpool are targeting defensive additions amid Andy Robertson's confirmed departure from the club.
There is also a lack of options at centre-back, and Liverpool could look to upgrade at right-back due to Jeremie Frimpong's defensive vulnerabilities.