Liverpool open Diomande talks as United, Arsenal and Spurs pursue summer targets

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with RB Leipzig over the signing of winger Yan Diomande, as the club begins its first summer transfer window under newly appointed head coach Andoni Iraola. Iraola, who transformed Bournemouth into a European contender, succeeds Arne Slot at Anfield.

Manchester United are expected to confirm the £38m arrival of Atalanta midfielder Ederson — their first signing under permanent head coach Michael Carrick. United had also been monitoring Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, but Manchester City appear to have moved to the front of the queue. Forest have already rejected City’s opening offer for the England international, though City’s interest remains firm.

Arsenal, who claimed the Premier League title last season, are keen on Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers, with manager Mikel Arteta understood to be a strong admirer. The Gunners are also tracking Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, the 19-year-old Frenchman who scored 13 Premier League goals in his debut season — level with joint-ninth in the division’s scoring charts, one behind Viktor Gyökeres. Reports from France suggest PSG are not pursuing Kroupi, potentially clearing the path for Arsenal, though Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City have also been credited with interest.

In north London, Tottenham have had an approach for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke turned down. Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who previously worked with van Hecke, is said to be keen on a reunion and the club are resisting pressure to sell.

Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada outlined the club’s approach to the window following their return to the Champions League. “I think the template for what we did last summer will be replicated in many ways,” Berrada said. “You have to have a clear plan. You have to know exactly what positions you’re looking to strengthen. And you also have to be prepared for any eventuality — there could be exits that we’re not expecting, there could be opportunities in the market that perhaps weren’t there at the beginning of the window. So we have to be ready. We have to be agile and flexible, but we have a clear plan.”