Liverpool make decision on top transfer target to avoid another Alexander Isak saga

Liverpool will not let their pursuit of Yan Diomande drag on all summer, talkSPORT understands.

The Reds have already seen an £86.3million bid rejected for the RB Leipzig winger.

Getty

Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing Diomande this summer.

The 19-year-old is currently Liverpool’s priority target as they eye a new forward for Andoni Iraola’s squad.

However, the club are cautious of a repeat of the transfer saga involving Alexander Isak a year ago.

Liverpool completed a club record £125million deal for the striker on deadline day last summer.

Their pursuit of the former Newcastle United man lasted throughout the transfer window before the move was finally completed.

Liverpool decision

talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs has now revealed Liverpool will avoid a repeat this time around.

Providing an update on The Window, he explained: “They’re already very confident in the player side that Diomande wants to join, but it’s all about negotiating a fee with Leipzig.

“Should PSG, as is now expected, turn their attention to (Magnes) Akliouche and not engage in a bidding war for Yan Diomande, maybe that will leave Liverpool in a stronger position.

“They are also looking for clarity from Leipzig because they’re not going to let this transfer drag on like Alexander Isak did last summer.”

Liverpool’s initial bid worth £69million plus £17.3million in add-ons was pushed back by Leipzig.

Shutterstock Editorial

Whilst the Reds plan to return with a fresh approach, they will move on to other targets if the German side do not engage in talks over a fee.

Diomande is currently on international duty with Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

It follows 12 goals and nine assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season.

Transfer business

Liverpool have already completed two new signings ahead of next season.

Spain’s Victor Munoz has arrived from Osasuna for £35million on a long-term contract.

Newcastle had been keen to sign the forward before Liverpool hijacked their move by triggering his release clause.

Getty

Defender Jeremy Jacquet will also arrive at Anfield from Rennes.

The Reds completed the signing of the 20-year-old in February to bolster their backline.