Liverpool have made contact with RB Leipzig as they step up their pursuit of forward Yan Diomande.The Merseyside club are also in the strongest position with the player over a potential deal at present.Leipzig have consistently stressed that the 19-year-old is not for sale and that it would take a bid in excess of €130million (£112.4m, $151.2m) to change that stance.There may be a reluctance at Anfield to reach such numbers, given the £450m outlay last summer and other work required in this window.Diomande, who joined Leipzig from Leganes in the summer of 2025, is tied to the club until 2030 on a contract which does not contain a release clause.Paris Saint-Germain maintain a strong interest of their own but are not currently as advanced as Liverpool, who have a ready-made slot in the team following Mohamed Salah’s departure. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi does, however, hold a good relationship with Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.Manchester City are also among a host of admirers, though they have yet to make as significant inroads.The Ivory Coast international enjoyed a breakthrough season with Leipzig, providing 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions to help the club qualify for the Champions League.Diomande was asked about speculation regarding his future during an interview with reporters, including The Athletic, last month. “Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid (as examples of big clubs) to do this job … you’re going to be happy and motivated to do more,” he said.