Real Madrid have reportedly struck a deal in principle to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to talkSPORT. The La Liga giants reached an agreement with the Bundesliga club after finally finding common ground on a transfer fee.
RB Leipzig had been holding out for a fee in the region of £100 million for the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international, who only arrived in Germany last summer. Liverpool, Arsenal and PSG had been monitoring the winger, with Andoni Iraola's side investigating a potential move earlier this summer.
Rejected Bids and Competition
Liverpool were reluctant to meet Leipzig's valuation, having had an £85 million offer rejected with no follow-up bid submitted. Champions League holders PSG had agreed personal terms with Diomande but failed to meet the asking price. Real Madrid, now managed by Jose Mourinho, saw an £85.4 million approach knocked back on Friday before tabling a second offer to advance negotiations.
Discussions over the precise structure of the transfer are being finalised, with Diomande understood to have committed to a five-year contract with Los Blancos.
Diomande's Stance
When asked about his future during the World Cup, Diomande stated: "I expect to leave, of course. I have an agent who will manage the rest. But the most important thing right now is to be focused on the World Cup with my country and make history with them."
Liverpool, who were rumoured to be interested earlier this summer, will need to redirect their attention. Iraola's team have been tipped to make a move for PSG winger Bradley Barcola, but PSG are reluctant to part ways without a suitable replacement. Potential suitors, including Arsenal, have been quoted a staggering £145 million for Barcola.
