Tottenham Make Move for Diomande as Liverpool Opt to Wait Until Summer

Tottenham are preparing to test RB Leipzig's resolve with a substantial bid for winger Yan Diomande, hoping to edge out Liverpool in the race for the Ivory Coast talent.

The north London club are struggling through their campaign, sitting 14th in the Premier League after 21 matches, and there's growing uncertainty about whether Thomas Frank will remain in charge. Reports suggest the Tottenham hierarchy are divided on the Dane's future at the club.

January business is already underway at Spurs, with midfielder Conor Gallagher set to complete his switch from Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old will undergo a medical on Tuesday before signing a long-term contract, following Atletico's acceptance of a €40million (£34.7m) offer. Aston Villa had also pursued Gallagher but ultimately stepped back from negotiations.

Now Tottenham are eyeing a second addition to their squad. Diomande is available for around £40m this month, though Leipzig's asking price could stretch to £87m depending on negotiations. The crucial factor working in Spurs' favour is Liverpool's timeline—the Reds view the winger as a summer target rather than an immediate priority, giving Tottenham a genuine window of opportunity to strike now.

Gallagher's arrival addresses a pressing midfield crisis. Rodrigo Bentancur faces surgery on a hamstring injury, Lucas Bergvall is sidelined, and Pape Matar Sarr is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. The midfielder ticks important boxes for Spurs, bringing both technical quality and the kind of experience and mentality the club currently needs in the middle of the park.

Attention will also turn to the forward line depending on how Dominic Solanke's recovery progresses and how long Richarlison is absent after his injury against Aston Villa.