Liverpool transfer news as Yan Diomande boost emerges and $108M defender wanted

Liverpool transfer news as the Reds appear to be making a move for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, as well as Inter Milan ace Alessandro Bastoni, while transfer target Bradley Barcola has discussed his future.

Yan Diomande has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP via Getty Images))

Liverpool is looking ahead to another huge week of action as the team competes in the Champions League knockouts against Galatasaray over two legs, while the battle for a place in the competition next season through a Premier League finish heats up.

Arne Slot has struggled to gain some consistency out of his side for most of the campaign, as they continue to fluctuate between important wins and frustrating defeats. This season has shown that, despite the record-breaking summer transfer spend last year, there is still work to be done to help transform the squad.

With the next transfer window just a few months away, the Reds are making plans for what their business will look like to take the team to the next level. Options in defence are being considered to join Jeremy Jacquet, who has agreed a deal with Liverpool for the summer, while forwards continue to be on the radar.

So, with that said, here's a look at the Liverpool.com verdict on the latest transfer news and gossip surrounding the Reds today.

Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)

Liverpool continues to be linked with a move for some attackers this summer, as Slot needs to find some extra firepower to finish games off. One player who is seemingly on the club's radar is RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who has continued his impressive ascent in recent years.

According to TEAMTalk, the Liverpool hierarchy is willing to make an early move for the 19-year-old in an attempt to beat its rivals to his signature. The report states that the Reds are discussing the possibility of making a push to sign Diomande this summer, while the move isn't dependent on Mohamed Salah's future.

The Ivory Coast international has scored 11 goals and assisted seven times in just 27 appearances across all competitions this season. Leipzig are claimed to value Diomande at roughly $116.5million.

Liverpool.com says: Yan Diomande is clearly viewed by many as one for the future, having quickly risen from academy football in the USA all the way to star in the Bundesliga. The main concern for a club like Liverpool, when looking to invest such a big fee, is that the sample size is relatively small and there is clear risk in putting so much into a young player who may not adjust to the Premier League immediately.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool deems that as a risk it is willing to take to land one of the most promising stars available, especially with some rivals circling him. It's a move that would certainly help reduce the average age of the squad and could add some spark that has been missing as of late.

Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)

The defence remains an area of concern for Liverpool, even with the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet in the summer. Ibrahima Konate could leave as a free agent, unless the Reds can agree a new deal, while Virgil van Dijk is entering his final year and Giovanni Leoni is returning from a serious knee injury.

With that in mind, Liverpool continues to be linked with peak-age defenders to help bolster the backline, with Alessandro Bastoni the latest name in the mix. That's according to Football Insider, which claims that the Italian centre-back is a "clear target" for the summer window.

The report states that bids in excess of $108million will be required to negotiate with Inter Milan, though they are desperate to keep hold of Bastoni.

Liverpool have been linked with Alessandro Bastoni this summer(Image: (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images))

Liverpool.com says: Alessandro Bastoni has plenty of top-level experience at the age of just 26, and he could be an ideal long-term option for Liverpool. The main concern, however, is that he has spent most of his career defending in a back three, which is very different to the role played in a back four.

While his profile may match largely what Liverpool needs to get through the defensive transition over the next year or so, it would be a risk to land Bastoni over a player with Premier League experience.

Bradley Barcola (PSG)

Liverpool has been linked with PSG star Bradley Barcola as he nears the final two years of his contract with the French club. However, the exciting young winger has spoken out about his situation, claiming he is happy at the Parc des Princes and his agent is discussing a new contract.

He told the media before PSG's clash with Chelsea in the Champions League: "I’m not focused on this [the contract], it’s my agent working on the contract. But I am so happy at Paris St Germain”.

Liverpool.com says: While Bradley Barcola would be an exciting option for Liverpool, it's clear that he wouldn't be a cheap option this summer with two years still left on his deal. Fortunately, knowing his stance now gives the club time to move onto other targets in the market.