Liverpool's pursuit of Yan Diomande remains active despite false reports of a rejected second bid. The Reds are leading the race for the 19-year-old winger, with talks ongoing after an initial £86m offer was turned down by RB Leipzig. The German club is holding out for a record £112m sale, as reported by the ECHO's Paul Gorst.
Diomande's World Cup Impact
Diomande has impressed at the World Cup, becoming the first player this century to complete 10 dribbles and create 10 chances in his first three games. He scored his first direct goal contribution for Ivory Coast on Thursday night. Bild reports that Leipzig needs to raise €113m (£97m) this summer, making Diomande's sale the simplest solution. His agency, Roc Nation, is reportedly pressuring Leipzig to finalize a deal.
Salah's Potential Saudi Move
Mohamed Salah's Liverpool contract was mutually terminated this summer. ESPN Brazil's Bruno Andrade claims Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal has made Salah their priority attacking target. Al Hilal, recently purchased by Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, could offer Salah €20m (£17.1m) per year for three years, with an option for a fourth. This is less than his £400,000 weekly salary at Liverpool.
Interest in Bouaddi
Liverpool has firm interest in Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to the Daily Mail's Lewis Steele. The 18-year-old has featured in Ligue 1 and impressed at the World Cup. Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City are also in the hunt. Bouaddi is expected to cost around €70m (£60m). Arsenal are considered front-runners, with PSG also in the mix.
Allan Elias Links
Liverpool retain serious interest in Palmeiras winger Allan Elias, according to Sportwitness. Newcastle United have prepared a €46m (£40m) package including bonuses. Liverpool have tracked Allan for a long time and explored different payment structures. Palmeiras demands a larger upfront fee, which has stalled negotiations. Allan has nine goals and 10 assists in 88 appearances for Palmeiras.
Kounde Speculation
CaughtOffside editor Mark Brus named Liverpool as "one to watch" for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. However, Kounde is happy at Barcelona and has no intention of leaving this summer. Barcelona may consider selling him to fund a new right-back, but no approaches have been made.
Other Transfer Rumours
Elliot Anderson's move to Manchester City is pending a medical, with fees reported between £116m and £130m. Victor Munoz revealed Andoni Iraola convinced him to join Liverpool. Harvey Elliott may get a chance under Iraola, according to Steele. Manchester United are intensifying efforts to sign Felix Nmecha, with Liverpool and City also interested. Luis Suarez confirmed his Uruguay retirement. Liverpool's academy signing Michael Mulholland will join when he turns 16, having scored 256 goals in a youth season.
