Yan Diomande: Man United must “break the bank” to win transfer race – Fabrizio Romano | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano confirms Manchester United are “monitoring” Yan Diomande but reveals suitors will have to “break the bank” to convince RB Leipzig to sell the 19-year-old winger in January.

Wanted by Europe’s Elite

Diomande has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s hottest prospects with a stream of impressive performances in the Bundesliga this season.

The Ivory Coast international – currently representing his country at the African Cup of Nations – joined Leipzig from Spanish club CD Leganes for €20 million in the summer. 

Capable of playing on either side, the electric winger has notched seven goals and four assists, and quickly establishing himself as his new team’s most potent attacker.

Yan Diomande 25/26 Season stats

But it is his outstanding dribbling and ball progression abilities which make him truly stand out – with only Lamine Yamal completing more take-ons amongst youngsters in Europe’s top five leagues.

United have identified Diomande as an alternative to Antoine Semenyo after a failed pursuit of the AFC Bournemouth winger last month, who favours a move to local rival Manchester City.

But Romano reveals Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are also “following” the 19-year-old winger, while a number of Premier League rivals, including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, are hot on his tails as well. Bayern Munich are also said to have Diomande on their radar.

If United wait until the summer to launch a move, they may risk losing out to a more established Champions League side – as they did for Semenyo – with their own hopes of European football dwindling by the week.

Break the Bank

Initially, it was suggested Diomande’s contract at the Red Bull Arena contained a €100m release clause. This was quickly dismissed, however, though it is the valuation Leipzig have placed on their attacking starlet according to The Athletic.

But a report relayed by The Peoples Person contended a price in the region of €60m-€70m would be sufficient to convince Leipzig to come to the negotiating table – less than the fee United were willing to spend on Semenyo. 

But Romano asserts the “pricing will be higher” than this, corroborating The Athletic‘s assessment.

The Italian transfer guru states: “Leipzig will do their best to keep the player in January – eventually, it could be a move for the summer. Or, in order to make it happen in January, [clubs] will have to convince Leipzig, and it is never easy with the Red Bull Group.”

He concludes that Diomande’s suitors, including the Red Devils, will have to “break the bank” to sign the Ivorian trickster in the winter window, with a deal far more likely at the end of the season.

Featured image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images

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