Liverpool gets boost as Barcelona quits $117M summer transfer race

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCLiverpool was linked with a move for Inter Milan center-back Alessandro Bastoni, but Barcelona is closing in on that deal — leaving the Reds free to pursue RB Leipzig winger Yan DiomandeArne Slot will look to improve his Liverpool squad this summer(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool could find swift consolation following its apparent failure to land Alessandro Bastoni, with the Reds emerging as frontrunners for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.Arne Slot's side were among the clubs reportedly keen on Inter's Bastoni. However, Barcelona appears to be closing in on a deal for the center-back, with reports from Spain indicating that the foundations of an agreement between the player and the Catalan club have already been established, pending final approval from manager Hansi Flick.It is also suggested that Bastoni is prepared to do "everything possible" to ensure the transfer happens.

Liverpool will be keen to strengthen its central defensive options this summer, having missed out on a late move for Marc Guehi last year.READ MORE: Ally McCoist is spot on with his Arne Slot firing verdict after Liverpool woesREAD MORE: Liverpool tipped to land 'considerable transfer fee' with Michael Edwards trickJeremy Jacquet is set to link up at Anfield, having completed his transfer back in January, while Ibrahima Konate is on the verge of signing a new deal with the club.This eases some of the pressure, potentially allowing attention to shift toward other areas of the squad.Leipzig forward Diomande is a name that keeps cropping up in transfer discussions.Liverpool is one of the frontrunners for a move for Yan Diomande(Image: Getty Images)Barcelona had also been monitoring the winger's situation, though Spanish outlet SPORT reports that the club is now willing to walk away from its pursuit of Diomande this summer and redirect its focus toward alternative targets.This leaves Liverpool, alongside Chelsea and Manchester United, as the primary contenders for the forward during the current transfer window.Chelsea's lack of Champions League soccer next season could work against them.Leipzig is said to be demanding a fee of around €100 million ($117.2 million).Comments from Diomande himself back in January hint that the winger would prefer a move to Anfield this summer."I want to play for Liverpool. I'm a huge Liverpool fan," he said."My dad dreams of seeing me play at Anfield!"The 19-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided a further eight assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for Leipzig this season.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCTransfersRB LeipzigFC Barcelona