Yan Diomande transfer latest as Real Madrid tweaks Liverpool offer but RB Leipzig holds firm
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RB Leipzig has rejected Real Madrid's reported bid for Yan Diomande, with the Bundesliga club valuing the winger above that figure, as Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City also monitor the situationYan Diomande of RB Leipzig is in demand(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool has learnt it will require huge sums to secure Yan Diomande, after Real Madrid's initial offer was turned down by RB Leipzig.The Spanish powerhouses are understood to have tabled $101M (£76m) plus $12M (£9m) in performance-related bonuses for the winger. The bid is slightly different to what Liverpool offered recently, with the Reds offering less money paid up front.According to Fabrizio Romano, discussions between Madrid and Leipzig commenced earlier this week prior to the bid being submitted.
Leipzig, however, place Diomande's value above $113M (£85m), and negotiations are anticipated to continue with Paris Saint-Germain also yet to reach an agreement with the German outfit.Reports in Germany indicate Leipzig could seek $137M (£102.5m) this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester City also monitoring the situation. A bidding war may be looming, though other reports claim Diomande has already agreed personal terms with PSG until 2031.Madrid may encounter renewed competition, with PSG yet to submit a formal offer, but Diomande's representatives are pressing hard for the French champions to complete a deal, hoping to prevent another club stepping in.However, they now face significant pressure from Madrid, with Jose Mourinho personally backing the transfer.Romano adds that Mourinho has informed the Madrid board he wants 'even more speed' and fresh legs in attack, with Diomande regarded as the ideal addition.As for Liverpool, they are examining long-term replacements for Mohamed Salah, though it remains uncertain whether they'll come close to matching Leipzig's asking price.Yan Diomande in action for Ivory Coast at the World Cup.(Image: Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Salah departed Liverpool on July 1 following an agreement with the club to end his contract 12 months prematurely.The 34 year old leaves as a modern-day legend, having netted 257 goals across all competitions and fulfilling a pivotal role in the team that claimed two Premier League crowns and secured the Champions League during one of the club's most triumphant eras.Leipzig are eager to prolong Diomande's contract past 2030, but when questioned about his future, he acknowledged he does not envisage his long-term prospects with the Bundesliga outfit."I expect to leave the club," he said.Thus far this summer, Andoni Iraola's outfit have already completed a deal for Spain international Victor Munoz and are now targeting additional attacking additions as they continue preparations for the new campaign.