Liverpool may soon face a challenge in their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, as Paris Saint-Germain could enter the race following an imminent deal involving Atletico Madrid and PSG attacker Kang-in Lee.
Liverpool's Pursuit Intensifies
The Reds are stepping up efforts to secure their second signing of the Andoni Iraola era, having completed the capture of Victor Munoz from Osasuna this week. Diomande appears to be the next target, with Liverpool indicating to RB Leipzig that they are prepared to strike a deal around €100 million (£87m).
Reports from Germany suggest an initial proposal has already been submitted and turned down. It remains unclear whether an improved bid will follow, but Liverpool may need to be wary of PSG's potential involvement.
PSG Poised to Enter Race
PSG, the European champions, are also among the contenders for Diomande, though no formal approach has yet been made. That situation could change imminently as the club positions itself to make an offer to Leipzig.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid has opened discussions with PSG attacker Kang-in Lee, with personal terms 'getting closer' as the Spanish side prepares to follow up with the European champions. Earlier reports indicated PSG must move on one or two of their existing forward options before launching a bid for Diomande, and should Lee depart for Madrid, that could pave the way for the French club.
Diomande's Future Plans
The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Luis Enrique's side will only pursue Diomande if the player signals his desire to join PSG, though he also confirmed the Ligue 1 champions' interest in securing him.
Diomande has offered several clues about his future plans, including recently expressing enthusiasm about the possibility of moving to England. After Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador at the World Cup, where he earned the player of the match accolade, Diomande caught journalists' attention by speaking in English, prompting one to ask whether he fancied playing in the Premier League.
"I don't know. I'm an RB Leipzig player, but why not?" the Ivorian responded (via beIN Sports). "My agents will sort that out. 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 only every four years, so I'm making the most of it, and as for the rest, we'll see."
Ivory Coast Coach Dismisses Rumours
Diomande's suggestion followed questions put to his international manager about his future, with Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae dismissing the rumours swirling around his star winger with a laugh. "When we were in France, during the preparation, journalists told me he was about to sign with PSG," Fae said. "Here, they tell me he's about to sign with Liverpool! I don't know, but for now, he will focus on the World Cup, and then afterwards, he can think about the rest of his career."
Diomande stood out once again in Ivory Coast's 2-1 defeat to Germany on Saturday night, helping to set up his team's only goal of the game with some impressive work on the wing.
