The transfer window might still be warming up, but Liverpool's summer business is already taking shape with one name dominating the headlines.

Yan Diomande has emerged as the jewel everyone wants, and the Reds are pulling out all the stops to land the 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have made the Ivory Coast international a 'top, top priority' and are 'offering important money to the player to get it done.'

But this won't be straightforward. Manchester City have entered the fray with serious intent, and it's shaping up to be a proper two-horse race for one of Europe's most exciting young talents.

Gianluca Di Marzio believes City, not Paris Saint-Germain, will be Liverpool's main rival in the pursuit. The Italian journalist explained the dynamics perfectly: 'He is Liverpool's first choice as well, so at this moment it only depends on who will pay the most money for him. He will go to the Premier League and Liverpool and Manchester City are the two options.'

City's interest makes perfect sense when you consider they're reportedly freeing up space by selling Savinho to Tottenham for £60m. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, set to replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, has apparently identified Diomande as his first choice for the wide areas.

Romano painted the picture clearly: 'Diomande is probably one of the most exciting and electrifying wingers on the market. Now, it's difficult to find players who can be young, talented one-v-one, fast, score, deliver assists… it's very difficult.'

The price tag reflects that rarity. Leipzig reportedly want in excess of £100m for their teenage sensation, who's heading to the World Cup with Ivory Coast. That's serious money, but for a player of Diomande's potential, it might prove worth every penny.

What gives Liverpool hope is their current squad situation. As Romano noted, the Reds have 'already made space with Mo Salah leaving and more players' departing this summer. Meanwhile, PSG face complications with Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos and Kang-in Lee all potentially needing to move on before they can make their move.

Interestingly, Barcola himself remains on Liverpool's radar, adding another layer to this increasingly complex transfer web.

Elsewhere, Alex Scott continues to generate headlines despite Bournemouth's determination to keep their prized midfielder. The Cherries have slapped an £80m valuation on Scott and are exploring creative ways to tie him down long-term.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Bournemouth's new contract proposal includes 'the possibility to include a release clause' following the same model they used with other key players. It's a smart move from the south coast club, giving Scott some future flexibility whilst protecting their asset.

TalkSPORT's Alex Crook described Liverpool's interest in Scott as 'one to watch', though Bournemouth's stance remains firm. Having thrived under Andoni Iraola before the Spaniard's Anfield appointment, Scott knows the system and philosophy that awaits him on Merseyside.

One potential target that appears to be slipping away is 16-year-old Kennet Eichhorn. Sky Sports Germany report the teenager has rejected Liverpool's 'attractive' offer, choosing to remain in Germany rather than make the move to England. Sometimes the young ones just aren't ready for the leap.

With the retained and released list confirming departures across the academy alongside the high-profile exits of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool face a summer of significant squad reshaping.

The Diomande saga will likely define much of Liverpool's transfer window, but with City circling and a £100m price tag looming, this battle for one of football's brightest young stars is just getting started.