What happened: Liverpool are prepared to make a renewed bid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande after an opening proposal worth around €100m was turned down. Leipzig's stance is that Diomande is not for sale and they intend to keep him for at least one more season. The player, for his part, is said to favour a move away this summer.

Why it matters: The standoff pits a willing buyer and a willing player against a club determined to hold its asset, the classic recipe for a drawn-out saga. It also continues a heavy stretch of Liverpool spending, raising the stakes on whether they meet Leipzig's valuation or walk. Leipzig's resistance signals they believe time and leverage are on their side, having already rejected a €100m approach while holding out for €120m.

What to watch: Watch for whether Liverpool return with an improved offer near Leipzig's asking price, and whether the player's preference to leave forces the club's hand before the window closes.