Liverpool transfer news as Man Utd joins $118M race and Arne Slot eyes free signing

The latest Liverpool transfer news and rumors as the Reds could face competition to sign Yan Diomande, while there is rumored interest in a Roma defender

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande(Image: AFP or licensors)

Manchester United has reportedly joined the race to sign highly-rated RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool.

The 19-year-old winger has emerged as one of Europe's hottest young players this season, registering seven goals and five assists in 19 Bundesliga appearances.

Liverpool sold Luis Diaz during last summer's transfer window, while the club also saw Antoine Semenyo join Manchester City earlier this month.

With Mohamed Salah turning 34 this year, Liverpool views Diomande as an exciting new signing who would bolster the club's attacking options.

Diomande recently made it clear that he wants to play for Liverpool in the future, saying on a live stream: "I want to play at Anfield, I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a big fan of Liverpool. I’m a big fan of Liverpool because my father’s dream is to see me play at Anfield. So that’s my dream. You know, to fulfil my father’s dream is a dream for me too."

Leipzig has reportedly informed all interested parties that it will only entertain offers in excess of €100 million ($117 million) for Diomande.

Diomande can operate off either flank, and Team Talk reports that United could establish itself as the front runner to sign the teenager in the coming months – despite the player openly stating his keenness to join Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Liverpool is reportedly targeting Roma defender Zeki Celik on a free transfer. The right-back, 28, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and he could appeal to the Reds as an option to bolster the squad in a position that has been injury ravaged this season.

Roma defender Zeki Celik(Image: Mondadori Portfolio/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Massimo Insabato)

Conor Bradley suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury earlier this month, and has generally struggle to stay fit throughout his short career, while Jeremie Frimpong has also been unavailable for much of the season due to a series of muscle injuries.

Celik has appeared 29 times for Roma in a variety of positions this season, and his versatility could appeal to the Reds.

Many of those appearances have actually come as a center-back, which is another area of Liverpool's squad that is in the midst of an uncertain period, amid the impending expiry of Ibrahima Konate's contract. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will also be out of contract next year.