RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has called in sick ahead of the Bundesliga club's friendly against Verl, as negotiations over his proposed move to Real Madrid continue to stall. Leipzig have not responded to Real Madrid's latest offer, leaving the transfer in limbo.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Leipzig informed Diomande that he was due to fly with the squad to their training camp in Austria. The Ivory Coast international, however, hoped to avoid the trip and did not intend to take part in full team training even if he travelled.
Diomande is eager to complete a switch to the Bernabeu and hopes the two clubs can reach an agreement. Real Madrid were surprised by Leipzig's lack of response.
Liverpool's faint hope
Liverpool's chances of landing Diomande appear all but over, though the uncertainty possibly leaves a small window ajar. Leipzig had been reluctant to sell the winger before Real Madrid's push.
The Merseyside club have, however, received a boost in their pursuit of another target. Paris Saint-Germain have made a breakthrough in their efforts to sign Maghnes Akliouche, which could pave the way for a potential Bradley Barcola exit.
Barcola option
PSG's asking price for Barcola could still prove prohibitive for Liverpool, with a £145m valuation reported. The 23-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and is said to have rejected an offer of talks over an extension.
Barcola has reportedly given his verbal commitment to a move, leaving PSG as the only remaining obstacle. Liverpool have not opened talks with the French champions, but there has been suggestion that PSG could soften their stance on the asking price, with an alternative figure of £128.5m mentioned.
It is claimed that a price in excess of £100m would not deter Liverpool, who signed Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in deals worth more than that sum last summer.
