Top News

Manchester United are reportedly falling behind Liverpool in the pursuit of RB Leipzig’s rising star Yan Diomande, as the club’s transfer focus this summer appears to be directed elsewhere, according to two leading transfer insiders.

The Red Devils are said to be concentrating their efforts on a major overhaul in midfield. With Casemiro’s contract nearing its end and Manuel Ugarte’s future uncertain, at least two new midfield recruits are expected — with a potential third addition if a buyer emerges for the 25-year-old Uruguayan international.

United’s transfer funds are projected to be substantial following Michael Carrick’s side securing a place in next season’s Champions League. Several players currently out on loan will also be offloaded — Rasmus Hojlund has already completed a permanent £38 million move to Napoli — to further strengthen the club’s financial resources.

One insider claims it is a “near certainty” that the total expenditure this summer will exceed last year’s £240 million spending spree.

However, strengthening the midfield will not come cheap. The club’s top targets, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, could each cost around £100 million. Other potential options within the Premier League, such as West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, are also expected to command high fees.

Negotiations for Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson are said to be progressing, although Italian reports suggesting a £46 million agreement are described as “premature.” Nonetheless, the player is believed to have “verbally agreed” to a five-year deal, with United representatives currently in Bergamo to continue discussions.

Given the scale of United’s midfield rebuild, there will be limited scope for major spending in other positions. A new left-winger — described by one source as an “Amad on the left” — remains a priority, with Diomande and Aston Villa’s England international Morgan Rogers emerging as the leading candidates.

RB Leipzig, however, are demanding €100 million (£87 million) for their 19-year-old winger, who has enjoyed an outstanding breakout season in the Bundesliga, registering 12 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances while showcasing exceptional pace and technical ability.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that United have “informed” Diomande’s representatives they will not meet Leipzig’s valuation, as their “main investments will be made in midfield.” INEOS, who are said to “really like” the Ivorian forward — a former teammate of Amad at the Africa Cup of Nations — reportedly consider him “too expensive.”

United’s hesitation has opened the door for Liverpool, who have now taken the lead in the race to sign Diomande. David Ornstein has confirmed that the youngster is a “leading target” for the Merseyside club as they prepare for life after Mohamed Salah’s expected departure.

“Diomande is among Europe’s most sought-after young talents, and Liverpool are serious contenders for his signature,” Ornstein stated, adding that “the Anfield club have positioned themselves strongly, and if a deal appears feasible, talks between the clubs are likely to follow.”

Virtually all of Europe’s top clubs, including Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, are monitoring Diomande’s progress — a testament to his immense potential. Within the Red Bull football group, he is regarded as their most promising prospect since Erling Haaland’s emergence at RB Salzburg.

Although there remains a real possibility that the Abidjan-born winger could stay with Leipzig for another season, all indications suggest that Anfield would be his most likely destination should he decide to leave Germany — a development that would come as a major disappointment to his admirers at Old Trafford.