Liverpool gets Yan Diomande transfer boost as RB Leipzig faces $116M dilemma

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RB Leipzig needs to raise funds this summer which could force the club to sell 19-year-old Yan Diomande, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich both interested in the Ivorian forward

Yan Diomande has scored 11 goals for Leipzig this season(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has received an encouraging boost in their pursuit of Yan Diomande, with his current club RB Leipzig requiring a significant sale ahead of the summer. The Ivorian only made the switch to the German outfit in the summer from Leganes but has made a remarkable impression.

Diomande, 19, has notched 11 goals and provided seven assists for Leipzig this season, and that form has attracted interest from elsewhere, including from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

And whilst Leipzig will be eager to retain him for the foreseeable future, it seems that their hand might be forced. According to Sky in Germany, the Bundesliga side need to generate around $116 million (£86.5m) even if they secure Champions League qualification.

One major sale - potentially Diomande or defender Castello Lukeba could be amongst those who may depart - whilst a host of smaller sales are not ruled out. If Leipzig miss out on a Champions League spot, then both Lukeba and Diomande could leave.

Currently, Leipzig sit fifth in the Bundesliga table but are only outside of the top four on goal difference. Diomande has over four years remaining on his contract with the club.

The teenager has already spoken out on a potential move to Liverpool, having disputed reports that the Reds are a 'dream' destination for him at some point in the future. He said: "People made it out to be my dream club. But first and foremost, it's my dad's favourite club.

"It was always his great wish to see me play there someday because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield. He always raved about Steven Gerrard.

"I was too young to see him play. We didn't even have a TV at home for a long time. I have a lot of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club right now is Leipzig."

Yan Diomande has shone for Leipzig this season(Image: Getty Images)

One connection to the Reds is naturally former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who currently serves as Red Bull's head of global football. Whilst Diomande knows the German well, he has acknowledged that a possible move to Anfield has never been discussed.

He said: "No, not that. But we talk every now and then. He tells me to stay humble and keep working hard. It was always my dream to play on one of his teams.

"That's not quite possible now. But being so close to him now, talking to him, shaking his hand, it's incredible. He's a legend. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a movie."