Liverpool needs huge Jurgen Klopp favor after brutal Yan Diomande setback

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Liverpool is constantly being linked with a bid to sign Yan Diomande during the summer transfer window - but the winger has only been with RB Leipzig for one year

Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig

Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff has made it clear that he wants RB Leipzig to keep hold of Yan Diomande amid speculation linking the youngster with a move to Liverpool.

Diomande, 19, is having an excellent first season with Leipzig, having registered 12 goals and eight assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances this season. His excellent form comes at the same time as Liverpool is planning for life without club legend Mohamed Salah, and Diomande has seemingly been earmarked as the Reds' preferred replacement for the Egyptian superstar.

However, Mintzlaff – who was previously Leipzig's CEO but now holds a different position in the Red Bull Group – suggested that Diomande would be best off continuing his development in Germany. It's clear now that Slot may need to call on the help of Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp for help.

"I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us,” Mintzlaff said.

“No matter what price is being asked. I believe he's a player who can still develop further, because he's still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive."

Liverpool and Leipzig are said to have a good relationship, but the Bundesliga club wants a fee in the region of €100 million ($117 million) for the youngster.

Oliver Mintzlaff alongside Jurgen Klopp(Image: Getty Images)

“Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain,” Mintzlaff added..

“But we have to expect that a player, even if he delivers outstanding performances here, doesn't leave again after just one year.

“Therefore, I can only recommend to the management that they keep this player with us for the coming season. And then we'll have to see how he develops.”

He continued: “We want to play in the Champions League. And that's naturally an argument for such a young player, to then deliver what he's shown in a second season and potentially develop further – also at an international level.

“So we have many good arguments. And the best argument is a long-term contract. Therefore, I'm completely relaxed about the whole matter.”

It is not yet clear whether Liverpool intends to press ahead with what would be a very expensive deal, but the Reds are doing their due diligence as they go about the unenviable task of attempting to replace Salah.