Liverpool's summer transfer plans are heating up, and they might just have a clever bargaining chip up their sleeve. According to Paul Joyce, the Reds are eyeing RB Leipzig's exciting winger Yan Diomande—but with an £85 million price tag, they'll need to get creative.

Diomande, just 19 years old, has been tearing it up in the Bundesliga this season. The Ivorian sensation has racked up 12 goals and 8 assists in 30 league appearances for Leipzig, making him one of Europe's most sought-after young talents. For Liverpool, the need for a dynamic right-sided attacker is becoming urgent, with Mohamed Salah's contract winding down and his potential departure looming large. Salah has still been a force—12 goals and 9 assists in 39 games before a hamstring injury—but replacing that firepower won't come cheap.

Enter Harvey Elliott. The 23-year-old midfielder's future could be the key to unlocking this deal. Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan in September 2025, with a £35 million obligation-to-buy clause tied to appearance thresholds. But things haven't gone to plan. Villa boss Unai Emery quickly decided against triggering the clause, limiting Elliott to just 277 minutes of Premier League action. For a player who was twice named England U21 European Championship Player of the Tournament, it's been a frustrating season at a pivotal moment in his career.

Elliott is expected to leave Liverpool permanently this summer, and here's where it gets interesting: RB Leipzig were reportedly keen on him last year, though their valuation fell short. With Diomande now in their sights, Liverpool could use Elliott as a makeweight—offering him to Leipzig to lower that hefty £85 million fee. It's a classic transfer chess move that could benefit all parties: Leipzig get a talented midfielder, Liverpool land their top target, and Elliott gets a fresh start in a league where he's already admired.

For Reds fans, this summer is shaping up to be a pivotal one. Whether it's through cash, creativity, or a combination of both, Liverpool are clearly determined to reshape their attack. And with a player like Diomande on the radar, the future could be very bright at Anfield.