Man Utd Keep Close Watch on Leipzig's Diomande Ahead of Potential £87m Swoop

Manchester United have their sights firmly set on RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as they contemplate a significant investment in the left-wing position this summer, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils are keeping close tabs on the 19-year-old Ivorian, who has become the Bundesliga club's most prized possession following a meteoric rise through the ranks. His journey to the top has been unconventional—he honed his craft in the United States before joining Leganes in Spain during January 2025, only to secure a move to Leipzig for €20m (£17m) just six months later.

Since arriving in Germany, Diomande has made an immediate impact, amassing an impressive 10 goals and seven assists across 26 appearances. His combination of exceptional dribbling prowess and clinical finishing has caught the attention of leading scouts across England, Spain, Germany, and France.

Romano has identified the winger as one of United's key objectives for the left wing role, revealing on his YouTube channel that the club dispatched scouts to monitor Diomande on several occasions during January. "He's being monitored for sure, but let's see if there's going to be more," Romano stated, noting that the club is exploring multiple options in that position.

Leipzig have priced their prize asset at approximately €100m (£87m), though earlier reports from January suggested he could be acquired for closer to €60m (£52m). The German outfit clearly recognise they possess a genuine talent and have set their asking price accordingly.

Diomande features among eight left-wing targets currently under consideration by United, with interim boss Michael Carrick recently acknowledging the likelihood of a new arrival on that flank this summer. The departure of Ruben Amorim has prompted a tactical rethink, particularly given the former manager's preference for wing-back systems.

The squad reconstruction has already seen Alejandro Garnacho depart to Chelsea, while Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are expected to leave permanently when the transfer window opens. United previously pursued Antoine Semenyo, though Manchester City ultimately won that particular battle.

Liverpool pose the most serious obstacle to United's ambitions, having emerged as the Premier League club furthest advanced in negotiations for Diomande's services. Newcastle's Anthony Gordon has also been mooted as an alternative, though the Magpies are unlikely to entertain another sale to a top-flight rival following Alexander Isak's departure to Anfield.

The race for Diomande's signature is shaping up as one of the summer's most intriguing transfer sagas.