Leipzig to reject €100m Liverpool offer for Yan Diomande

Liverpool have submitted their opening bid for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, with the proposal understood to be worth close to €100 million.

According to German journalist Philipp Hinze, the first formal offer is valued at around €90m guaranteed, with €10m in performance-related add-ons.

However, the proposal is expected to fall well short of Leipzig’s valuation.

Leipzig are determined to keep hold of the highly-rated 19-year-old and are pushing to secure him on a new long-term contract.

The German club values the Ivory Coast international at more than €130m following his outstanding breakthrough campaign.

Liverpool are not backing away from negotiations and are confident they can eventually strike an agreement before the transfer window closes.

The Reds have already demonstrated their intent in the market after completing the signing of Victor Munoz and have identified Diomande as one of their marquee attacking targets.

However, the Reds have alternative options if talks stall.

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh, FC Koln prospect Said El Mala, and Lille attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo are all being monitored as potential contingency options.

Diomande has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards after bagging 12 goals and 9 assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances last term.

Blessed with blistering pace, direct running and impressive technical quality, the teenager has attracted interest from several elite clubs.

He is currently representing the Ivory Coast at the World Cup and further enhanced his growing reputation with a dazzling display against Ecuador in his country’s opening group-stage fixture.

The Liverpool target dominated throughout the contest, winning 11 of his 14 duels, completing four of his six dribble attempts, creating one big chance and producing five key passes.

Performances of that calibre only strengthen Leipzig’s resolve to keep him, but Liverpool are prepared for the long game as they look to land one of world football’s brightest young talents.