Red Bull boss speaks out over Yan Diomande as Liverpool hatch transfer plan

Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff has made his position crystal clear regarding Yan Diomande's future at RB Leipzig amid speculation linking him with Liverpool . The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for the highly-rated 19-year-old forward ahead of the forthcoming summer transfer window. Liverpool are expected to be linked with numerous wide attacking options this summer in light of confirmation that Mohamed Salah will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. Diomande has been earmarked as a star in the making and ranks among Europe's most coveted young talents following a standout debut campaign at Leipzig. The Ivory Coast international has scored 13 times in all competitions for Leipzig this term, including 12 strikes in the Bundesliga, and is believed to carry a price tag in the region of €100 million (£87m). Friday evening witnessed Leipzig in Bundesliga action as they secured a comfortable 3-1 home triumph against Union Berlin, with Diomande providing an assist for Ridle Baku's strike, reports the Liverpool Echo . Mintzlaff, Leipzig's chairman of the supervisory board and Red Bull boss, has delivered his assessment on the speculation swirling around Diomande's future amid reported interest from Liverpool. The Leipzig chief has outlined precisely why he remains intent on keeping Diomande at the club beyond this summer, despite suggestions that a departure could materialise during the transfer window. "I can say: If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us,” Mintzlaff is quoted as telling Sky Germany. “No matter what price is being asked. I believe he's a player who can still develop further, because he's still very young. And he can certainly become more expensive." FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page “Of course, there are other clubs where players also want to take the next step – FC Bayern is one of them, but also clubs from England and Spain,” he added. “But we have to expect that a player, even if he delivers outstanding performances here, doesn't leave again after just one year. “Therefore, I can only recommend to the management that they keep this player with us for the coming season. And then we'll have to see how he develops.” He continued: “We want to play in the Champions League . And that's naturally an argument for such a young player, to then deliver what he's shown in a second season and potentially develop further – also at an international level. “So we have many good arguments. And the best argument is a long-term contract. Therefore, I'm completely relaxed about the whole matter.” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.