INEOS are lining up a move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as Manchester United look to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 19-year-old Ivorian international has attracted interest from United’s recruitment team, according to Sky Sports, with the club keeping close tabs on his progress.
Liverpool and Chelsea are also monitoring Diomande, meaning United face strong competition if they decide to submit a formal offer for the youngster.
A fee in the region of £86m has been suggested as the price required to secure the forward’s services this summer transfer window.
RB Leipzig are believed to want to retain Diomande beyond the summer, meaning any interested club will face a tough negotiation to prise him away from Germany.
United manager Michael Carrick was appointed on a permanent two-year contract after an impressive temporary spell in charge following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January.
Carrick lost just two of his 17 Premier League outings as temporary manager, and has since been involved in the club’s recruitment planning for the summer window.
The club spent over £200m on attacking reinforcements last summer, with Bryan Mbeumo arriving from Brentford for a reported £71m after scoring 20 league goals in the 2024/25 campaign.
Mbeumo ended the 2025/26 Premier League season as United’s joint-top scorer alongside Benjamin Sesko, both netting 11 times in England’s top flight.
Despite those numbers, Diomande is seen as a potential upgrade, having outperformed Mbeumo across several key statistical categories during his debut season in Europe’s top five leagues.
The Leipzig winger registered more goals and more assists than Mbeumo this season, while also recording 4.3 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, the highest figure of any player in the Bundesliga.
Performance analyst Marcus Bring has dubbed Diomande a “1v1 monster,” and one analyst has also previously described him as “one of the best wingers” in the competition.
His chance creation rate and possession won in the final third per 90 were also superior to Mbeumo’s figures, highlighting his well-rounded attacking profile.
United are also monitoring AC Milan star Rafael Leao, who has stated his desire to leave the club ahead of next season, with a fee of around £40m mentioned for the 26-year-old.
Spending £86m on a player with just one year of top-level European experience is a significant risk, but Diomande’s performances have indicated he is capable of competing at the highest level.
At 19, the prospect of further development under Carrick at Old Trafford makes the potential signing an attractive long-term proposition for the Red Devils.