Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has urged his old club to 'hijack' Liverpool's pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is valued at £112m by the Bundesliga side. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has emerged as a top target for new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot after an end-of-season review.
Liverpool's pursuit of Diomande
Liverpool have identified Diomande as a priority signing to replace departed legend Mohamed Salah. The Premier League club have indicated they are willing to pay £86m for the teenager, but Leipzig are holding out for 130m euros (£112m). Iraola, who took over after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, wants to strengthen his squad with several new signings.
Diomande has attracted interest from a host of top clubs, including PSG, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, after a brilliant first season at Leipzig. He has also enjoyed a bright start to the World Cup, with Ivory Coast on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages from Group E.
Saha's call for United to intervene
Saha believes Manchester United should enter the race for Diomande, whom he described as a 'superstar' in the making. 'Man United should definitely hijack Liverpool's interest in Yan Diomande,' Saha told Casinolyze. 'This type of winger now dominates football. When you have that confidence and simplicity in your game, to dribble, pass, be physical, and be courageous, I love that. Those styles are amazing.'
He added: 'I think Diomande had a great opening game at the World Cup, and it's been a year with Leipzig where he's done really well. I am pleased to see that kind of career because it was not easy starting in the US and now being a superstar. I think he can be a superstar like Lamine Yamal.'
Mixed opinions on the price tag
However, former England striker Jay Bothroyd has cautioned against paying over £100m for Diomande. 'I'm not paying £112m for him,' he said on Sky Sports. 'He's a very good player, there's no doubt about that. But you need to be one of the world's best wingers to be worth that amount and I'm not sure he is that at the moment. Liverpool would apparently pay £86m and I think that's a better valuation and a fair valuation. Going above that, though, I can't see that, I don't see that.'
United's transfer priorities
While Manchester United are interested in signing a winger, midfield reinforcements remain the priority for new permanent boss Michael Carrick. United have already agreed a £35m deal to sign Brazil's Ederson from Atalanta but want at least one more midfielder to arrive at Old Trafford. Liverpool, meanwhile, have already signed one winger this summer, bringing in Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m.
