Louis Saha has encouraged Manchester United to 'hijack' Liverpool's deal for Andoni Iraola's top summer transfer target, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has attracted interest from several top clubs after a brilliant first season in the Bundesliga.
Liverpool's pursuit of Diomande
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot after an end-of-season review, has identified Diomande as a key target to replace departed club legend Mohamed Salah. Liverpool have indicated they are willing to pay £86m for the teenage star, but Leipzig are holding out for 130m euros (£112m). The Premier League giants are aware of competition from PSG, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich.
Saha's call for Manchester United
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes his old club should enter the race for Diomande. 'Man United should definitely hijack Liverpool's interest in Yan Diomande,' Saha told Casinolyze. 'This type of winger now dominates football. When you have that confidence and simplicity in your game, to dribble, pass, be physical, and be courageous, I love that. Those styles are amazing.'
Saha added: 'I think Diomande had a great opening game at the World Cup, and it's been a year with Leipzig where he's done really well. I am pleased to see that kind of career because it was not easy starting in the US and now being a superstar. I think he can be a superstar like Lamine Yamal.'
Mixed opinions on valuation
Interest in Diomande has risen after his bright start to the World Cup, with Ivory Coast on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages from Group E. However, former England striker Jay Bothroyd questioned the high price tag. 'I'm not paying £112m for him,' he said on Sky Sports. 'He's a very good player, there's no doubt about that. But you need to be one of the world's best wingers to be worth that amount and I'm not sure he is that at the moment.'
Bothroyd added: 'Liverpool would apparently pay £86m and I think that's a better valuation and a fair valuation. Going above that, though, I can't see that, I don't see that.'
Liverpool and Manchester United transfer plans
Liverpool have already signed one winger this summer, welcoming Victor Munoz to Anfield in a £34.5m deal from Osasuna. Meanwhile, Manchester United are interested in signing a winger, but midfield reinforcements remain the priority for new permanent boss Michael Carrick. United have agreed a £35m deal to sign Brazil's Ederson from Atalanta but want at least one more midfielder to arrive at Old Trafford.
