Tottenham Hotspur are said to be locked in a transfer tussle with Liverpool over RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Spurs are keen to sign the Ivory Coast international in January and would be ready to submit a sizeable bid if the opportunity arises. Liverpool, while long-time admirers of the attacker, are believed to be targeting a future move rather than a deal this month.
Nixon claims Diomande could be available for around £40 million, a figure well below previous reports suggesting Leipzig value him at closer to £87 million (€100m). While Liverpool are monitoring the situation, Tottenham could act quickly to push the deal through before the window closes.
The North London side are preparing to invest following a difficult first half of the season under Thomas Frank, having managed just seven wins from 21 league games. Spurs are close to completing the signings of left-back Souza and former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is currently undergoing his medical.
Diomande only arrived at Leipzig from Leganés ahead of this season but has already caught the eye in the Bundesliga. The highly rated winger has scored six goals and provided three assists in 14 league appearances, plus two more goal involvements in the German Cup.
Tottenham’s interest is further strengthened by their existing relationship with Leipzig, having signed Xavi Simons for £51 million last summer.
With Frank’s attacking options severely hit by injuries, a move for Diomande would make sense.
Spurs have been without Dejan Kulusevski, seen limited involvement from Dominic Solanke, and endured absences for Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Bergvall. Richarlison is the latest to join the injury list after picking up a hamstring issue in the FA Cup loss to Aston Villa. James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Rodrigo Bentancur have also struggled with fitness, with Bentancur ruled out for three months.
Tottenham have also been approached by Paris FC for winger Mathys Tel but are reluctant to let him go due to their growing injury concerns. However, Fabrizio Romano reports that the French forward is keen to move on in search of regular playing time to boost his chances of making France’s World Cup squad.
