Liverpool suffer transfer blow as €100m package for Yan Diomande rejected but they have a plan

Liverpool have a plan in place after their €100 million (£86.7m) offer for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande was turned down.

Diomande, who recorded the most successful dribbles in the Bundesliga last season, has emerged as a priority target for Liverpool as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

A host of clubs have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old, including Paris Saint-Germain, but it appears the Reds are currently leading the race to sign one of world football's biggest young talents.

In fact, a report from The Athletic claims Liverpool are 'firmly in the driving seat'.

However, it emerged on Thursday that the club's pursuit of Diomande has taken a setback after RB Leipzig turned down a proposal worth €100 million (£86.7m), as per Fabrizio Romano.

It is said the Bundesliga side want more for their biggest asset, with a package closer to €120 million (£104.1m) likely needed to get a deal over the line this summer.

Liverpool, meanwhile, plan to return 'very soon' with an improved offer, according to Florian Plettenberg, who claims Liverpool do not expect any issues regarding personal terms should an agreement with Leipzig be reached.

READ MORE: Yan Diomande dropped major Liverpool transfer hint days before Andoni Iraola appointment

Who else are Liverpool targeting ahead of the new season?

Earlier this week, Liverpool hijacked Newcastle United’s pursuit of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz by triggering his £34.6 million release clause.

The 22-year-old, who played for Barcelona and Real Madrid at youth level, is currently part of Spain’s World Cup squad. It is said Liverpool have sent medical staff to the States to carry out his medical.

As well as the previously mentioned Diomande, the Reds are monitoring Koln's Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

El Mala registered 13 goals and five assists in 36 appearances for the Bundesliga side last term and is under contract until 2030.

Minteh, who has recorded 10 goals and nine assists in 73 appearances for Brighton, is the only player on the list with Premier League experience and has shown glimpses of brilliance for the Seagulls.

Fernandez-Pardo, meanwhile, has impressed in Ligue 1 since joining Lille from Belgium’s Gent in 2024. The 21-year-old has 12 goals and 11 assists in 71 appearances for the French club.