Liverpool are drawing up contingency plans in case their pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande collapses, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Jacobs reports that Liverpool submitted an €80m plus €20m bid for Diomande, which was swiftly rejected by the German club.

Despite the setback, Diomande remains a priority target for the Reds as they look to strengthen their wide attacking options this summer.

However, there is growing acceptance at Anfield that the club cannot allow the deal to drag on into August without resolution.

Liverpool’s recruitment staff are now actively identifying and assessing alternative winger options in case Leipzig refuse to enter serious negotiations over a sale.

Yankuba Minteh has emerged as one of the leading alternatives, with his direct attacking style and pace in wide areas considered a strong fit for Liverpool’s system.

Said El Mala is also being discussed internally as a surprise option, with the club’s recruitment team highlighting his potential and long-term upside as key factors.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo is another name mentioned by Jacobs, offering a more balanced attacking profile across multiple metrics and versatility in forward positions.

Bradley Barcola remains a long-term name of interest for the club, though his higher valuation and competition from other European clubs make him the most difficult target to pursue.

Jacobs also noted that PSG could enter the race for Diomande, adding further urgency to Liverpool’s decision-making around their winger recruitment strategy.

There is understood to be optimism that Diomande himself is keen on a move to Liverpool, which keeps the deal alive despite Leipzig’s firm initial stance.

Liverpool’s desire to add dynamism and depth across wide areas reflects Arne Slot’s system, which demands high-energy, direct attackers capable of creating chances in transition.

Of the alternatives identified, Barcola represents the most established option given his consistent attacking contributions at the highest level of European football.

Minteh, meanwhile, stands out for his dribbling volume and end product, making him one of the more statistically explosive candidates on Liverpool’s emerging shortlist.

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