Liverpool have reportedly held discussions with Yan Diomande's representatives regarding a potential summer move, as their hunt for Mohamed Salah's replacement continues. The 'Egyptian king' is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season following an extraordinary nine-year spell.
Yet, given his remarkable record of 257 goals and 122 assists from wide positions, identifying a suitable successor will prove no straightforward task. One player the Reds appear to have placed considerable faith in is 19-year-old RB Leipzig talent Diomande.
The youngster has flourished in the Bundesliga since arriving last year and has registered 12 goals and 17 assists for Die Roten Bullen this season alone. According to German media outlet BILD, Liverpool are among several elite clubs currently tracking Diomande's situation.
However, with the German side keen to retain his services for at least another year, any transfer will come at a premium. Reports indicate that a fee in the region of £86 million has been placed on the Ivorian.
But that hasn't deterred a host of clubs - including Liverpool - from maintaining their interest. Barcelona, though, have withdrawn from the race due to financial constraints, while other European heavyweights linked with him will undoubtedly struggle to raise the required funds.
It is reported that the Reds and Paris Saint-Germain have conducted meetings with the player's representatives, with both sides "particularly interested" despite not yet submitting a formal bid. Manchester United were also said to be keen on the talent, though it is believed their interest has since cooled considerably.
One possible way to convince Leipzig to sanction a deal could be to negotiate a slightly reduced fee, while allowing Diomande to remain at the club for the forthcoming season before officially completing his move to Anfield the following summer.
Such an arrangement would suit all parties involved, with RB enjoying a further campaign alongside their key man, who would benefit from additional development time before touching down on Merseyside.
However, Liverpool would still face the challenge of being short-handed as a direct consequence of Salah's exit, with no immediate successor lined up. While the club could rely on the likes of Rio Ngumoha, who has shone in patches for the side this season, the youngster is far from a complete player at just 17-years-old.
It comes amid Liverpool having several areas requiring attention ahead of the summer transfer window. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined for up to nine months following an Achilles tendon rupture, the board would be well advised to recruit a backup striker to Alexander Isak, who has also endured his own injury troubles throughout the campaign.
Elsewhere, the club may look to strengthen defensively, bearing in mind Virgil van Dijk will be 35 by the time the 2026/27 season kicks off. Micky van de Ven could be one player who the club look to target should Tottenham Hotspur face the drop to the Championship but given they are in no hurry to offload the centre-back, any deal is unlikely to come at a bargain price.
