Liverpool ‘rocked’ as Tottenham enter £87m race while Man City ‘plot move’ for rising Premier League star
Liverpool have reportedly been left reeling after Tottenham Hotspur muscled their way into the race for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with Spurs prepared to test the German club’s resolve with a huge January offer.
According to reports, Tottenham are “ready to make an offer” for the highly sought-after 19-year-old, whose explosive rise in the Bundesliga has attracted interest from Europe’s elite. Liverpool have long admired the Ivorian winger and were believed to be positioning themselves for a summer move, but Spurs’ willingness to act now has allegedly “rocked” the Anfield hierarchy.
Leipzig are understood to value Diomande at up to €100m — around £87m — a figure that would represent a major statement of intent from Tottenham if met. While the North London club are said to be keen to spend heavily, it remains uncertain whether they would go that high, or whether Liverpool would be drawn into a bidding war mid-season.
Spurs’ financial flexibility under Profit and Sustainability Rules could give them an edge, with the club aware that striking early may be the only way to beat Premier League rivals with stronger league positions to one of their top targets.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are reportedly lining up a move of their own, with Brentford right-back Michael Kayode emerging as a potential target.
Pep Guardiola’s side are said to be monitoring the Italian closely as they look to address a long-standing issue at right-back.
City scouts have reportedly watched Kayode on multiple occasions, with the 20-year-old now featuring on a shortlist alongside Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento. A January switch is considered unlikely, largely due to Brentford’s reluctance to sell while pushing for a European spot, but City are keeping a close eye on the situation.
Brentford are understood to value Kayode highly and would demand a significant fee to part with one of their standout performers, though no figure has been disclosed.
With Tottenham pushing aggressively for Diomande and Manchester City quietly assessing their options, the January transfer window is shaping up to deliver yet another battle between the Premier League’s biggest heavyweights — with Liverpool facing unexpected competition in the race for one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.