Liverpool are preparing a late £45 million bid for Porto striker Luis Diaz, who can also be being pursued by Tottenham.
The Colombian winger was Jurgen Klopp’s first option for the summer transfer window, but resulting from Spurs’ significant interest, Liverpool have hastened their preparations.
Liverpool is regarded as proposing an initial £37 million, plus bonuses, which can only be activated if Diaz is a significant success at Anfield.
Tottenham has been in discussions with Porto over Diaz, reportedly willing to spend as much as £46 million for the player.
Spurs are reportedly willing to pay £37.6 million upfront for Diaz, with an additional £8.4 million in performance-related add-ons, in keeping with reports in Portugal.
Spurs have already appeared to miss out on Wolves attacker Adama Traore, who appears poised to return to Barca on loan, and missing out on Luiz could be one other major blow this month.
It’s unclear whether Diaz will move to Anfield this month or wait till the top of the season. In 18 outings for his current club this season, he has managed to attain 14 goals.
Sky Sports reporter Vinny O’Connor:
“Obviously, it’s removed from done and will easily come to nothing.
“Nonetheless, Liverpool view this as a superb deal if it gets accomplished – very much near a Diogo Jota-type fee. Also, it is much better value than the unique €60m asking price.
“Diaz was Jurgen Klopp’s first alternative for the summer, but they’ve brought those plans forward since it was clear if Liverpool didn’t act this window, the player would move on.
“This isn’t done and will yet collapse – the player is in Argentina along with his national team, so it can be removed from straightforward to finish the deal.
“Nonetheless, if it does get done, it’s an enormous coup for Julian Ward, who’s to succeed sporting director Michael Edwards in the summertime. It was a deal by which Ward lead for the primary time, however it is fair to say he’s been supported strongly by Edwards who put together the technique to secure the player this month.”
