Liverpool get Yan Diomande transfer response as RB Leipzig stance emerges | Football | Sport

RB Leipzig‘s managing director Marcel Schafer has rejected suggestions that Liverpool transfer target Yan Diomande will leave the club this summer. Schafer has also suggested that Leipzig intend to offer the 19-year-old fresh terms at the Red Bull Arena in recognition of the remarkable strides made since his arrival from Leganes last year.

Earlier this month, Liverpool made known their readiness to table a bid of up to £86million for the Ivory Coast international following an outstanding campaign in Leipzig, where he found the net 12 times in the Bundesliga.

Leipzig remain committed to retaining the winger and would be seeking a fee far nearer £112m should they reluctantly part with the teenager.

In comments provided to German outlet Bild on Monday, Schafer made it clear that Leipzig are determined to keep Diomande.

He also outlined how discussions regarding a new deal are planned with his Roc Nation Sports representatives.

“Our clear intention is: Yan Diomande will play for RB Leipzig next year,” Schafer said.

“In principle, we still have a four-year contract and hold all the cards.

“Therefore, the current developments are primarily a recognition of his performance. Nothing more and nothing less.

“And if we can’t find a solution, then we can’t, but he’ll still have a four-year contract. So, to reiterate: Yan Diomande will remain a Leipzig player.”

Liverpool are additionally weighing up a potential swoop for PSG winger Bradley Barcola as a possible alternative to Diomande.

Earlier this month, the Ivory Coast winger suggested that he would be willing to consider a potential move to English football.

“Would I be open to the Premier League? I don’t know,” he said. “I am an RB Leipzig player, but why not? My agents will sort that out.

“As for me I am more focused on the World Cup, that’s the most important thing.

“It doesn’t happen all the time, it’s only every four years, so I am making the most of it and for the rest, we’ll see.”