Liverpool put on notice as RB Leipzig agree to sell prized asset | OneFootball

It’s no secret that Liverpool have got their eyes trained on RB Leipzig ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

The Bundesliga club are in possession of one of the most sought-after attackers of the upcoming market - Yan Diomande. The 19-

year-old is on Liverpool’s radar and could be the subject of a nine-figure deal in the off-season. But Diomande isn’t the only top talent Liverpool have got their eyes on.

Liverpool on alert about Castello Lukeba

Castello Lukeba, 23, looks set to move on at the end of the current campaign. A left-sided centre-back the Frenchman has been at the Red Bull-owned club since 2023 - establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the German top flight.

Although the France under-21 international has got a contract until 2029 TEAMtalk is now reporting that he can leave this summer.

With a clause worth around £70m in his deal this is not going to be cheap but the same source adds that Lukeba could be leaving for a cut-price £55m.

It names Liverpool - as well as Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United among the teams vying for Lukeba’s signature.

Furthermore talks have commenced between third parties and potentially interested clubs - including Liverpool - over the outline of a summer deal.

“RB Leipzig and Castello Lukeba are in agreement that the French defender will leave the club this summer,” the report reads. “His leading suitors – primarily from the Premier League – have now been formally notified.”

Liverpool's need for centre-backs is increasing

The report also adds that as a result of the Lukeba decision that Red Bull hope to keep hold of Diomande for another season at least.

It looks like the Bundesliga outfit will have to make sales this summer but they could plug the financial gap by cashing in on Lukeba and others rather than losing the emerging wing superstar.

“Lukeba has a release clause in his contract worth around £70million, however, we understand Leipzig are willing to sanction a deal closer to £55million – a figure that has already been communicated to interested clubs via intermediaries,” the report reads.

“Those intermediaries have been in contact with a number of top English sides, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United – all of whom are assessing defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer.

“The Reds are close to finalising a new contract for Ibrahima Konate, but despite the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, there remains a lack of natural left-sided centre-back options within the squad and that is something Lukeba could address.”

Liverpool have been short of top-quality experienced centre-backs all season - owing to Giovanni Leoni’s injury and losing out on Marc Guehi.

Next summer Richard Hughes will lose Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez at the end of their contracts - meaning adding defenders will once again become a priority.

Although Mor Talla Ndiaye was signed in January -- Lukeba is further along in his development and could come straight into the team.