Liverpool decision-makers 'approve' Yan Diomande transfer as two problems loom

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Liverpool has persistently been linked with a bid to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in recent months, amid Mohamed Salah's impending summer exitYan Diomande of RB Leipzig(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool has reportedly decided on Yan Diomande as its preferred replacement for Mohamed Salah, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season.Salah is coming to the end of a legendary nine-year career with the Reds, during which period he has established himself as one of the greatest players in the club's history.It is claimed that talks are ongoing between Liverpool and Diomande's representatives over a possible move to Anfield, but that negotiations between Liverpool and Leipzig have not started.Leipzig is reported to be keen to tie Diomande down to a new contract after a brilliant first season in the Bundesliga.READ MORE: Arne Slot reveals when he expects Alisson to return for LiverpoolREAD MORE: Chris Sutton in no doubt about Everton penalty decision after David Moyes complaintsThat could prove to be a problem for Liverpool, as could reported interest in the player from Paris Saint-Germain, with the reigning European champions having already held talks with Diomande's camp.Diomande has registered 12 goals and seven assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances this season, emerging as one of the hottest-rated youngsters in European soccer.Aged 19, Diomande is 14 years younger than Salah, who announced in March that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.Despite the criticism Salah has faced this season, he is having a decent season – numbers-wise, at least – by most players' standards.Content cannot be displayed without consentThe Egyptian scored his 12th goal of the season during Sunday's Merseyside derby victory over Everton, while he has also registered nine assists in all competitions.Speaking after the 2-1 win over Everton, Salah said: "It feels great [to score], to be fair."The most important thing was to help the team to just settle down and keep more confidence, because we knew before the game it was going to be tricky, it was going to be a difficult game. I’m glad in the end we managed to win the game."Virgil van Dijk appeared alongside Salah in a post-game interview on Sky Sports and was asked about his departing teammate.Mohamed Salah scored against Everton on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)"There will be a lot of words coming out of my mouth over the next couple of weeks on him," Van Dijk said.

"But listen, he is so important for us, on and off the pitch."I would say, the appreciation sometimes comes a little bit when players are gone, but we appreciate him so much."He is an outstanding teammate to have, obviously we have been through everything together; highs, lows."He will still be important for the last five games that we have to play and then it will be emotional for him and his family, for sure."But for us as well, because he meant a lot to me, a lot to the team and to the fans of course. But first, we have still a job to do and he knows it – that’s the main focus."