Goal machine firmly in Klopp sights but Liverpool learn benefit of six-month wait
Reports in Portugal claim Liverpool want to sign Porto winger Luis Diaz as soon as possible but may wait until the summer due to the finances involved.
The Reds have long been linked with the 24-year-old. And it was reported earlier this month that Michael Edwards is keen to secure the Colombia international as his parting gift. The sporting director will leave Anfield at the end of the season but has work to do before then.
The Merseysiders are enjoying another excellent campaign. They trail Manchester City in the Premier League race but are still well in touch with the champions.
However, star players Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will be absent during most of January. The duo will be on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations for Egypt and Senegal respectively.
Therefore Jurgen Klopp could do with some help in the attacking department. And Diaz certainly fits the bill, with a superb goalscoring record for the Dragons.
He has bagged 12 top-flight goals from 15 league outings and 14 in all competitions this term. There have been many reports in the British press over Liverpool’s pursuit of the wide man.
But Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra took to Twitter (via Sport Witness) to reveal his take on the saga. He suggested the north-west giants are ‘very interested’ in the winger, and want to sign him ‘as soon as possible’.
However, Porto will only let him leave in January for the full amount of his €80m release clause. Therefore waiting another six months might be a better option.
That is because the former Junior star’s price could drop to between €50m and €60m.
Plenty of interest in Diaz deal
Leaving it until next summer is a risky strategy as many clubs are circling. His goalscoring and assist numbers mean the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Everton are on the case.
Manchester United recently entered the picture, according to a report by Fichajes. And Manchester City are also said to be keen on the talented forward.
But it is the link to Liverpool that will not go away. Klopp saw the South American up close and personal during this season’s Champions League group stage.
His side beat Sergio Conceicao’s men 5-1 away from home and 2-0 on home soil. Despite Porto being outplayed on both occasions, Diaz did himself no harm at all with a couple of solid displays.
And the German tactician was said to have been impressed by what he witnessed. Whether they make a move in the new year only time will tell.
It will be an expensive deal but one that could be beneficial in the long run.
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