Manchester United bid for Yan Diomande

Manchester United’s recruitment strategy has come sharply into focus as the season reaches a decisive phase and attention turns firmly towards the next rebuild.

With the club balancing short-term results and long-term planning, there has been a clear emphasis on securing elite young talent rather than quick fixes.

Old Trafford chiefs are also aware that rivals at home and abroad are moving aggressively in the market, leaving little room for hesitation.

The January window may be limited, but groundwork for a major summer deal is already well under way.

Manchester United have now made a serious play for one of the most sought-after young attackers on the continent.

According to reporting by Africa Foot, United have submitted a substantial proposal to RB Leipzig as they look to win the race for Yan Diomande, a player who has been watched closely by elite clubs for weeks.

Interest has been widespread, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Manchester City all tracking the situation, but the belief among those close to the talks is that United have surged into pole position.

Sources close to the Ivory Coast international indicate that United have tabled an offer worth £78 million (€90 million) for the 19-year-old, underlining just how highly he is rated internally.

This, however, falls just short of Leipzig’s asking price for the Ivorian, which was reported to be £87.3 million.

Meetings between United and Leipzig have already taken place, and significantly, the German club have granted permission for United to open discussions with the player’s representatives.

That green light is often a key step in negotiations and suggests that Leipzig are at least willing to seriously consider a sale, even if no final decision has been made.

Yan Diomande is not being viewed as a short-term solution but as a cornerstone signing for the next phase of United’s project.

He already has seven senior caps for Ivory Coast and has scored twice at international level, showing composure well beyond his years.

United’s proposal reflects a belief that his ceiling is extremely high, and that early investment could pay dividends for seasons to come.

Contract talks are also progressing in the background.

Those familiar with the situation say United are offering a five-year deal, with an option for an additional year, alongside a salary in the region of £3 million (€3.5 million) per season.

Any final agreement is expected to be addressed once Ivory Coast conclude their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, with the player currently focused on international duty.

Leipzig, however, remain in a strong negotiating position.

Yan Diomande is contracted until June 2030, giving the Bundesliga side leverage and removing any pressure to sell unless their valuation is met.

Even so, United’s willingness to move early and decisively has shifted the landscape, placing them firmly at the front of the queue as one of Europe’s most intriguing transfer sagas begins to gather pace.