Diomande saga sparks row between transfer insiders

Paris Saint-Germain is believed to have withdrawn from the race for Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

On Sunday, several media outlets quoted a statement they received from the Parisians.

"The demanded transfer fee and salary expectations were completely disproportionate," RMC quoted the Parisians as saying, adding: "PSG will not abandon its principles of rational financial management and a balanced team structure."

In the more detailed statement, which Marca has seen, there is talk of "price gouging" and "maneuvers by certain agents".

Transfer Insiders Clash

It is not officially known where Diomande will end up. However, the Ivorian's case is also causing a dispute among transfer journalists.

Fabrizio Romano reported the completion of the deal with Real Madrid for a transfer fee of over 100 million euros. German "Sky" transfer expert Florian Plettenberg contradicted this, writing of a "pseudo-agreement".

"Perhaps I should share messages from a few years ago where you asked me: 'How can I increase my follower count?' or 'Your work is my motivation'," was Romano's reply.

The Italian further referenced alleged "fake news" about Manchester City's interest. "Look at your own news before you talk about me," said the transfer insider.

Plettenberg is appalled: "A sad development. Unlike you, I will keep our conversations confidential. You used to be a role model for many. For me too. Unfortunately, you are no longer that for me. I am simply grateful that I can be a role model for others myself."