United Turn to Leipzig's Diomande After Semenyo Snub, Tabling €90m Bid

Manchester United have lodged their initial proposal to secure RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande during the January transfer window, according to reports emerging this week.

The Red Devils invested more than £200m in summer recruits as INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe aimed to bolster Ruben Amorim's squad, only to part ways with the manager on Monday. Since his departure, the club has continued to struggle on the pitch, accumulating just eight victories from 20 Premier League outings this season.

United currently occupy sixth position, sitting three points adrift of Liverpool in fourth, with a mere four points separating them from 14th place. Their most recent fixture saw them draw with Leeds on Sunday—a result that underscores their inconsistency.

The club evidently requires reinforcement across several departments ahead of the winter window. Diomande has been firmly on their radar, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano previously confirming United's genuine interest in the young prospect. However, Romano cautioned that Leipzig remain reluctant to part with their winger during the January window, with the Red Bull Group typically driving hard bargains.

"Leipzig will do everything in their power to keep him in January," Romano explained on his YouTube channel. "It could happen in summer instead, or United would need to convince them—which is never straightforward with Red Bull."

The Italian journalist also noted that Tottenham, PSG, and several other Premier League sides are monitoring Diomande's situation. Both he and another Leipzig talent are expected to command substantial fees come summer, with Romano suggesting that €60m or €70m would prove insufficient.

United's €90m opening offer arrives in the wake of Manchester City beating them to Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. According to Africa Foot, the Old Trafford club are "well on their way to finalising the deal," with boardroom discussions already underway between the two clubs this week.

Encouragingly for United, Leipzig have granted them permission to enter negotiations with Diomande's representatives regarding contract terms. The Ivory Coast international, who boasts seven caps and two goals for his country, has been presented with a five-year deal plus an additional optional year. The proposed package includes an annual salary of €3.5 million.

Diomande's camp has indicated that outstanding details should be resolved before the conclusion of Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations campaign, in which the 20-year-old is currently participating.