Manchester United will sign Yan Diomande this summer if latest report speaks volumes

Manchester United are understood to have put together a left wing shortlist which now includes Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier.RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande also stars on the shortlist in question, with the Red Devils’ top target for the position set to be dicatated by their placement in the Premier League.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWith the Bundesliga star expected to cost in excess of £80m this summer, however, one might imagine that he’ll be off the list should Michael Carrick fail to secure Champions League football this term.The 19-year-old has registered 10 goals and seven assists in 26 games (across all competitions) in the 2025/26 season.Marcus Tavernier could be Manchester United’s fallback option(Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)This report comes from the Daily Mail, with the outlet confirming that both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have set their sights on Tavernier.That should certainly offer more than enough in the way of indication as to the level United will be shopping at without premium European football.Not to disregard the 26-year-old, who is without question a Premier League-proven talent. And with an expected price tag of about £40m, he could prove excellent value for money for sides looking to break into Europe.Yan Diomande is the superior transfer targetWith the greatest of respect to Marcus Tavernier, there’s no question in our minds that Yan Diomande is the superior transfer target.He’s a natural left winger for starters (with his Bournemouth counterpart having primarily played in central midfield this term) and boasts some incredible stats for a teenager. Marcus Tavernier stats (per 90) Yan Diomande stats (per 90) 0.31 xG 0.28 xG 0.24 non-penalty xG 0.28 non-penalty xG 0.13 xA 0.33 xA 1.43 chances created 2.1 chances created 0.23 big chances created 0.44 big chances created 3.84 touches in opposition box 7.03 touches in opposition box 0.74 possession won in final third 0.72 possession won in final third * Marcus Tavernier and Yan Diomande’s stats (in Bundesliga and Premier League) compared (Fotmob)If United wish to unlock some serious potential in their forward line, the Bundesliga star is the man they should be pinning their hopes and dreams on.However, a successful move for Diomande almost certainly rests on Champions League qualification, and, perhaps, rivals Liverpool failing to secure access to the competition.The Merseysiders are known admirers of the Ivorian talent, who has already expressed an interest in linking up with Arne Slot’s men next term.Regardless, we can’t afford to miss out on Champions League football ourselves, lest we wish to be forced into selling our own talents to make up the costs.With that in mind, it will be worth keeping a very close eye on the Premier League table over the coming months.