RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande transfer options emerge as 'Liverpool or Man City' claim made

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Liverpool transfer target Yan Diomande will join either the Reds or Manchester City , according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The RB Leipzig winger is among the most coveted players this summer, with Andoni Iraola's side among a host of clubs reportedly keen on securing his signature.

The Athletic has revealed that the Reds have already made contact with the Bundesliga outfit as they look to firm up their pursuit of the Ivorian. Liverpool are understood to be best placed to land the 19-year-old, though they will need to convince Leipzig to sanction his departure.

This follows claims from the same report that the German club have stood firm on their stance that he is not available, insisting it would require upwards of €130million (£112m) to prise him away. Paris Saint-Germain have been touted as one of the rival clubs circling the attacker, yet Di Marzio has suggested the destination boils down to a straight shoot-out between Liverpool and City.

Speaking to Wettfreunde , he said: "Liverpool is very keen on getting Yan Diomande but they are facing competition from Manchester City. Enzo Maresca loves the player and Diomande is his first choice. Manchester City and Maresca really wants him.

"He is Liverpool's first choice as well, so at this moment it only depends on who will pay the most money for him. He will go to the Premier League and Liverpool and Manchester City are the two options.

" PSG actually wants him as well, so he is on their list, but with all the players they have, I don't expect that he wants to go to PSG, so I am pretty sure he will go to Liverpool or Manchester City."

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Liverpool's attacking shortcomings were laid bare last season, in what turned out to be Arne Slot's final campaign, as they struggled to match the firepower that drove them to Premier League title glory.

With Mohamed Salah departing Anfield when his contract expires this summer, it leaves a glaring gap that urgently needs addressing. The ECHO revealed last month that Diomande is being considered to 'succeed' the Egyptian on the right flank.

The German club's determination to hold onto their prized asset means Liverpool could face a hefty price tag to lure him away from Anfield.

Speaking last month, the 19-year-old said: "Of course, if you imagine someone saying you have to go to Chelsea or Real Madrid to do this job, you're going to be happy and motivated to do more.

"But I don't think about this kind of thing because I'm trying to be focused on the pitch. Because my job is playing football, I leave everything else outside the pitch. It gives me a lot of motivation to see clubs speak about me. I'm focused.

"My contract runs until 2030, so I have four more years. I don't know what's going to happen after that. I'm a Leipzig player. That's a big motivation because nobody knew me before. Paying €20million for a player that nobody knows is a lot.

"That was a big risk for them, and I'm thankful for that. We are on a good way, and it's not over. We need to keep going and keep working hard.

"I will never forget this opportunity. It's not only about playing football. The club has helped me a lot off the pitch. The media only sees me on the pitch, but the club has helped me a lot with my family and my mom.