Richard Hughes decides: Plan B in full swing as Yan Diomande deal moves further away | OneFootball

Liverpool’s chase for Yan Diomande would appear to be at an end.

The Reds have invested a lot of time and effort into doing a deal for the Ivorian winger - but it hasn’t paid off.

Sporting director Richard Hughes launched a raid worth up to €100m for the RB Leipzig forward - which was knocked back.

The outgoing Premier League champions were tipped to return for the Cote d’Ivoire international - but it seems as though they would be wasting their time.

Multiple reports now confirm that Diomande, 19, prefers to move to Paris Saint-Germain if Leipzig decide to do business this summer. And even worse for the Anfield side it appears as though PSG are prepared to wait until 2027 to land their man.

Said El Mala: Liverpool's Plan B

That leaves Liverpool scrabbling around for another winger target - with it being well-known that adding pace and one-v-one quality out wide is a priority.

And according to a report in Fussball Daten their “Plan B” is Said El Mala of Koln.

El Mala, 19, enjoyed a breakout season in the Bundesliga with the Billy Goats - netting a very impressive 13 league goals and adding four assists.

Koln may well have to consider offers for their star player in order to comply with financial rules - and it could open a door for a move this summer.

Koln want €50m for El Mala

Borussia Dortmund according to the report have been rebuffed in their attempts to add El Mala to the squad this summer - offering €35m and two young players on loan for the season.

Koln want cash - around €50m - and interest is building from the Premier League. Newcastle - as well as Brighton and Brentford - are thought to be keen on El Mala - a Germany under-21 international.

But now that their move for Diomande has run aground we could see Andoni Iraola’s side turn to El Mala instead.

Diomande difficulties lead to El Mala

“Behind this formidable continental race, another global heavyweight awaits: Liverpool,” the report reads.

“The English top club wants to rejuvenate its attack and achieve a first-class squad rotation. Liverpool plans to officially approach El Mala depending on the progress of its primary transfer targets.

“Particularly in the event of potential difficulties or a stall in the Diomande transfer, there is strong speculation that the Merseyside club could knock on Cologne's door and provide a substantial budget for the young star, whom they consider an important Plan B.”