Liverpool are preparing a second bid for Yan Diomande after seeing their opening offer of €100million rejected by RB Leipzig, with the winger reportedly keen to leave the Bundesliga club this summer.
Diomande enhanced his growing reputation on Saturday by providing the assist for Ivory Coast’s opening goal in their 2-1 defeat to Germany at the World Cup.
The 19-year-old’s performances at the tournament have only intensified interest in his future, although Liverpool remain frontrunners for his signature.
The Reds have already submitted an offer worth €90million plus €10million in add-ons, but Leipzig turned down the proposal. The German club can now expect an improved bid in the coming days.
According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, Liverpool are planning to return with a second offer, while transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has described their pursuit as “very aggressive”.
Romano also reported on X that Leipzig are attempting to persuade Diomande to sign a new contract that would include a release clause for next summer. However, the Ivory Coast international is said to favour a move away now.
“Liverpool will bid again for Yan Diomande, there is no doubt. I can confirm, Liverpool will be back to the table of negotiations,” he explained on YouTube.
“They are pushing on the player side. Behind the scenes, Liverpool are trying their best in terms of a financial proposal and the project to get the player on their side 100 percent.”
Romano added: “Game after game, day after day, it’s even more difficult to keep Yan Diomande at [Leipzig].
“It’s going to be a big proposal coming from Liverpool in order to try change the situation.
“Liverpool are working on the player side, in terms of salary and project, and on the club side with Leipzig, working hard to get this deal done.”
Leipzig are reportedly valuing Diomande at €130million (£112.7m), a significant increase on Liverpool’s opening offer. However, there is a growing belief that the two clubs could eventually reach a compromise.
That may become more likely if the player pushes for a move. Yan Diomande hinted earlier this week that he would be open to joining a Premier League club, potentially strengthening Liverpool’s position in negotiations.
“I’m an RB Leipzig player, but why not? My agents will sort that out,” he said after the Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador.
“As for me, I’m more focused on the World Cup, that’s the most important thing. It doesn’t happen all the time, it’s every four years, so I’m making the most of it.
“As for all the rest, we’ll see.”
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