Liverpool fans got the opportunity to check out the notable talents of summer transfer target Yan Diomande on Saturday evening and the chances are that most will have been impressed by what they saw. The 19-year-old winger demonstrated his expert close control and lightning-fast pace on both flanks for Ivory Coast against Germany in the Group E clash, playing a key part in his country's opening goal. Although he tired towards the end and had to watch from the sidelines as Deniz Undav clinched victory for the Germans in injury time, it was an encouraging audition for a potential new beginning at Anfield under Andoni Iroala.
Liverpool's Pursuit of Diomande
The Reds have offered Diomande's current club, RB Leipzig, an £86m deal to land their rising star, but that appears to fall short of what the Bundesliga club are demanding for a player they do not wish to sell this summer. However, with the player himself seemingly keen, confidence remains high that the two clubs can eventually agree a deal. If the two sides cannot find a middle ground, Iraola and Liverpool do have other options they are considering in the same position.
Alternative Winger Targets
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
The 21-year-old currently represents Lille in Ligue 1 and provides versatility across the front line. Right-footed, he can play anywhere including centre-forward, where he operated for a considerable chunk of last season. After two seasons in France, he has 12 goals across 71 appearances, netting eight times last term. Now a full Belgium international, Fernandez-Pardo would be a much cheaper alternative to Diomande and could be developed by Iraola into a Premier League star.
Yankuba Minteh
Brighton & Hove Albion star Minteh, also 21, has regularly shown how dangerous he can be against the Reds. The Gambian can play the Mohamed Salah role, cutting in from the right and shooting with his left foot. He is another player Iraola could mould into his system, but with just three Premier League goals in 34 appearances last season, he would need to find the net more regularly to become a Kop hero.
Said El Mala
If pace and goals are what Liverpool want, El Mala fits the bill. The 19-year-old is a rising star for Bundesliga side FC Koln and has just enjoyed a breakout season, scoring 13 times in 34 Bundesliga appearances. His achievements have drawn praise from Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, who highlighted his speed and sudden acceleration. Unlike Minteh, he is right-footed, so would likely battle for a position with new signing Victor Munoz, although El Mala can also play through the middle as a centre-forward, providing cover for Alexander Isak while Hugo Ekitike recovers from injury. El Mala has seven caps for Germany under-21s and at 6ft, has the build for the modern-day Premier League.
