A transfer report from Spain has linked Liverpool with a move for Real Betis forward Assane Diao with the 18-year-old in fine form this La Liga season.
In all competitions, the teenager has scored six goals, attracting attention from the Premier League with his pace, finishing and obvious raw talent.
Jurgen Klopp has a reputation for being an elite caretaker of young stars, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, his vice-captain, one of the best examples of this.
Diao has now been linked with a move to Liverpool twice, with a previous report stating the Reds are prepared to pay his “full” release clause of €30 million to “plan to finalize” his move to Anfield.
Latest on Liverpool interest in exciting young attacker Assane Diao
Liverpool could force Real Betis into an uncomfortable position if they bid to sign Diao in January or at the end of the season. Spanish outlet Mucho Deporte claims that in light of his “meteoric rise, he has become a “very attractive target”.
Newcastle United , Liverpool and Chelsea are all interested. He has a €30 million release clause in his contract but Betis wants to increase it to €45 million.
Mucho Deporte claims that they have learned about another clause which states that if an offer of €15 million arrives, Real Betis “would have to transfer him or double his salary.”
It’s not clear if this means he is available for €15 million or this simply means an offer of this value would oblige Betis to arrange his sale for €30 million or if its simply a way for Diao to increase his wages.
As for his salary, there is no information on what he earns although his contract only expires in 2027 when he would be 22.
What position does Assane Diao play?
Diao is a left-wing although he can play on both flanks, playing around 40% of his minutes this season on the right side of the pitch.
If Liverpool are seriously interested, they will be overjoyed at his versatility given the fluidity of Klopp’s attack.
The Reds will naturally be following his progress in La Liga this season and if he continues to shine, expect more stories linking him with a move to Anfield in the future.