Yan Diomande to Liverpool: Transfer expert drops verdict on deal as new offer being submitted
Liverpool need to act fast to sign Yan Diomande as he attracts other suitors following some standout displays for the Ivory Coast at the World Cup.
Diomande has held preliminary talks about joining Liverpool, who have had offers rejected by his club RB Leipzig.
He is currently shining at the World Cup with the Ivory Coast, helping them to a second-place finish in Group E with two wins from three games so far.
The 19-year-old is the only player in this century to complete more than 10 dribbles and create more than 10 chances in his first three World Cup games, according to Opta.
While Liverpool remain keen, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that other clubs are joining the race for the teen star as he shines in North America.
They saw a bid to sign him of around £90million rejected by Leipzig last week, but are believed to be preparing another offer worth over £100m.
Yan Diomande attracting widespread interest amid World Cup showings
Diomande registered 12 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga matches last season, while he notched an assist for his country in their 2-0 win over Curacao on Thursday.
PSG have also been publicly linked to his signature in recent weeks, but several other clubs are also watching the right winger as it stands.
Brown was asked if Liverpool are facing sterner competition for Diomande following his World Cup displays in an exclusive interview with Football Insider.
He replied: “Yes, that can always happen. Is he (Diomande) worth that (£100m)? I'm not Liverpool, but I think so, yes, he is. But other clubs will want him, too."
What has Diomande said about his future at Leipzig?
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool are checking on alternatives to Diomande as they could be priced out of a move this summer.
They will surely be keen to get a deal done as soon as possible, if Leipzig are not demanding too much, but the World Cup may get in the way of negotiations for as long as Ivory Coast remain in the tournament.
The 19-year-old will have to navigate some tough questioning from reporters amid public interest in his services, and has already addressed rumours around his future.
Speaking in the mixed zone about his next move after the win over Curacao on Thursday, he said: "I don't know. I am not thinking about my future after the World Cup. I am trying to focus all my energy on the World Cup and see what happens after – but I can't say anything about that."