Yan Diomande gives honest verdict on Florian Wirtz as Liverpool steps up transfer chase
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RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has been the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent weeks, with Liverpool reportedly leading the race for his signature amid reported interest worth up to £86mYan Diomande is Liverpool's top transfer target(Image: FRANCK FIFE, AFP via Getty Images)Liverpool transfer target Yan Diomande says he is simply looking to continue his "amazing year" by starring for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, which continues for his international side on Saturday against Germany.The Reds have been engaged in negotiations with RB Leipzig over Diomande in recent weeks, stepping up their pursuit this week by making clear they are prepared to commit to a package worth up to $115 million (£86 million) for the 19-year-old.Leipzig, however, are resolute in their refusal to sell the Ivory Coast winger, whom they acquired from Leganes last year, and are keen to tie him down to a new deal that would likely include a release clause.The Bundesliga club may be persuaded to cash in should the offer creep closer to $148M (£112m), yet Diomande is insistent that speculation surrounding his future is the last thing on his mind right now.The forward did, however, single out Florian Wirtz as the potential match-winner for Germany when the two nations go head-to-head in Toronto at the weekend.Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Diomande said: "It's a dream. I'm grateful for everything that's happening to me and I'm just going to continue to give my best on the pitch.
Germany is a very strong team; they never give up and fight until the end. Players like that can change a game with a single action."Florian Wirtz impressed for Germany in the opening game(Image: Alexander Hassenstein, Getty Images)Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has insisted that his squad remains firmly focused on their World Cup campaign, dismissing any talk of club transfers or personal dealings."We are in the bubble of the national team," Fae said.
"I don't want to talk about transfer situations or players' personal files."Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, widely anticipated to feature in Saturday's Group E fixture, offered his assessment of Diomande: "A year ago, hardly anyone knew him."He's had an outstanding season, even though RB Leipzig had a few problems. They have spectacular attacking players."