Liverpool could secure 18-year-old Spanish wonderkid for just €15m

Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Real Betis youngster Assane Diao.

The 18-year-old winger has been one of the breakout stars in La Liga so far in 2023/24.

Born in Senegal but representing Spain at Under-19 level, Diao has scored three times in nine outings this season, including a late winner in Betis' Europa League win over Sparta Prague last month.

Having only turned 18 in September, Diao is the youngest player to score in each of his first two La Liga starts in the 21st century, according to Opta.

Previous reports have claimed that Liverpool have earmarked the talented prospect as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah on the right wing.

Speaking recently, Betis sporting director Ramon Planes admitted that: "he (Diao) is a footballer who is on the agenda of many clubs."

While the young forward has a reported release clause of €30m (£26m) in the contract he signed as recently as this summer, Mucho Deporte claim there is an agreement between club and player that he can leave for just €15m (13m) unless Betis 'double his salary'.

The report claims that the continued interest in Diao has forced Betis to consider improving the rising star's contract ahead of time and raising his release clause to 'at least €40m' (£35m) in order to prepare for future bids from the Premier League.

Liverpool are name-checked as one such club who have 'explored the possibility' of a transfer, along with Newcastle and Chelsea.

Diao's curent contract runs until 2027.

Links between Liverpool and various wingers have increased in recent months, amid speculation over Salah's future at Anfield.

In addition to Diao, Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Nico Williams (Athletic Club) and Donyell Malen (Dortmund) have all been touted as possible Salah successors should he depart for Saudi Arabia at the end of the season.