Furious Sky rival at war with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano – ‘deleting false here we go’ | Football | Sport

Football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano is at war with a rival journalist from Sky as the summer window heats up. Florian Plettenberg, a German sports journalist, called out his Italian counterpart on social media amid the ongoing Yan Diomande transfer saga.

Romano, who is known for his “HERE WE GO” catchphrase, confirmed that the Ivorian winger had signed for Spanish giants Real Madrid in a deal worth over €100 million (£85.5 million) on Sunday evening (July 26). However, Plettenberg appeared to take a swipe at his exclusive around an hour later, claiming the deal had yet to be confirmed. He insisted that negotiations between Diomande’s current club, RB Leipzig, and Madrid will continue at the start of this week.

He said “more things in this business are becoming a bit ridiculous” and explained how there is yet to be a full agreement between Leipzig and Madrid for the 19-year-old winger.

The journalist added: “If a €100 million bid has been rejected, then it’s pretty obvious the final fee will be well over €100 million, isn’t it?

“Real Madrid are expected to get the deal over the line tomorrow or, at the latest, during the course of next week. Diomande wants to join Real Madrid and has a verbal agreement until 2031.

“Club-to-club negotiations will continue tomorrow. Diomande is also due to return to Leipzig tomorrow.”

However, his post was met with fury by Romano who threatened to leak direct messages between the pair. Plettenberg then dubbed this a “sad development” and said the Italian is no longer a “role model” to him.

Romano said: “You start accusing, I cross the line. Now at least I see you’ve learned how to tag very good. Maybe I should share messages from few years ago where you asked me “how can I increase followers” or “your job is my motivation”… you who are now teaching how to do this job on here. But I’m not going out of context, as you did.”

Plettenberg replied: “Good to know (for me and others) that you’re willing to share private messages and internal conversations. A sad development.

“Unlike you, I’ll keep our conversations private. You used to be a role model for many. For me too. Unfortunately, for me, not anymore. I simply be grateful that I can be a role model for others.”

Plettenberg was then seemingly backed up by trusted English journalist David Ornstein, who confirmed Diomande is “expected” to sign for Madrid, but the deal is yet to be finalised.

He wrote in a separate post: “Real Madrid expected to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. 1st bid rejected ~10 days ago, 2nd (€100m fixed, €120m package) set to be rejected, but agreement likely soon. #PSG out; 19yo returns to #RBLeipzig on Mon with wish to join #RMFC.”