Liverpool step up their £86.5m chase for Leipzig's Yan Diomande, Newcastle United's scramble for Abde Ezzalzouli of Real Betis - Paper Round

Liverpool are refusing to cool their interest in RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, despite successfully triggering the £34.5 million release clause to sign Spain international winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna. 

The club are reportedly prepared to put down a package worth €100 million (£86.5m) for the 19-year-old Ivory Coast sensation, though Leipzig remain highly determined to hold out for a larger windfall for the breakout World Cup star.

The Mirror reports: "The signing of Munoz, who could become a replacement for Luis Diaz, does not impact upon the pursuit of Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old winger remains the top transfer target for Liverpool this summer, but a deal will be much harder to strike. 

"RB Leipzig are determined to hold onto the Ivory Coast star, who is currently playing at the World Cup. Liverpool are reportedly ready to stump up €100m (£86.5m) for Diomande, although Leipzig want even more for the player they only signed from Leganes for just £17.3m last summer."

Newcastle United have been forced to rapidly reconsider their summer forward targets after Liverpool hijacked their advanced deal for Osasuna's Victor Munoz at the eleventh hour. 

Newcastle are now actively weighing up moves for Lille's young forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Abde Ezzalzouli from Real Betis as they scramble to regain transfer momentum and fill the void left by Anthony Gordon's departure.

The i Paper explains: "Newcastle United are considering moves for Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo and highly-rated Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli after suffering the bitter blow of missing out on Victor Munoz. They will pivot from Munoz against the backdrop of deep scepticism from supporters that they are capable of pulling off the sort of deals that will reignite the PIF project. 

"Insiders push back against that - pointing out that they beat Chelsea, Real Madrid and Tottenham to sign goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen - but in mid-June they find themselves in a position they did not want to be, scrambling for momentum in a crucial summer. There had been real confidence that a move for Spain winger Munoz could be wrapped up before the weekend, but he is now going to Liverpool."

A fascinating tactical battle is brewing in the Premier League after Chelsea confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso, while London rivals Fulham close in on Alvaro Arbeloa. 

Arbeloa replaced Alonso as Real Madrid manager on an interim basis in January, meaning the former teammates could face off on opposite benches at Craven Cottage on the opening day of the season.

The Athletic states on their X account: "In January, Alvaro Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. 

"In August, Xabi Alonso will manage his first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea, away at Fulham - and could find Arbeloa in the opposite dugout. 

"Fulham have held talks with Arbeloa over replacing Marco Silva as head coach."

Leeds United are increasing their activity in the transfer market, launching an ambitious attempt to sign former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt on a free transfer. 

The West Yorkshire side are also stepping up their efforts to secure a £20 million deal for Southampton's Northern Ireland international midfielder Shea Charles.

The Mail reports: "Leeds United are stepping up interest in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles and are making a bold attempt for free agent former Germany international Julian Brandt. 

"Northern Ireland international Charles is valued over £20m and has drawn attention from Everton and Atalanta also in recent months. 

"Brandt, now 30, has flirted with moving to the Premier League in the past, notably with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. 

"He can play on either flank or behind the striker and scored 11 goals in 41 appearances for Dortmund last season. 

"Leeds also remain in discussions to re-sign goalkeeper Karl Darlow despite competition from old foes Manchester United. 

"The 35-year-old is out of contract at Elland Road and has attracted offers from Tottenham and United."

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