Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign highly-rated FC Porto winger Luis Diaz, with the Premier League side set to splash around £37.5 million plus add-ons fees to get their man.
The 25-year-old Colombian, who has scored 20 goals for club and country this season, has been heavily linked with a move away in recent weeks, with Spurs and Manchester United rumoured to be interested.
But it appears Jurgen Klopp's side have beaten their Premier League rivals to the signing, with an announcement expected in the coming hours.
Liverpool closing in on spectacular transfer window coup for Luis Diaz.
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) January 28, 2022
Understood deal v.close with fee of £37.5m with £12.5m in add ons.
Reds beat Manchester United and Spurs to signing of Porto winger - seen as perfect fit for Liverpool front line.#LFC #TransferWindow
Copa America joint top goalscorer Diaz was 'adament' that he only wanted to go to Liverpool, according to The Mirror, which in turn reduced the transfer fee to a reported £37.5 million initial fee plus £12.5 million in add ons.
The Reds are keen to get this one over the line, adds the report, as they look to make it official before the weekend.
Diaz's proposed move to Anfield will be another big blow to Spurs, who were interested in taking the Colombian winger to North London for £37.6 million plus an additional £8.4m in performance-related add-ons.
But now that deal looks to be off the cards.
Antonio Conte's side have already seemingly missed out on a deal to sign Wolves winger Adama Traore - a player that looks all set to join former club Barcelona.
Awful week on transfer front for Tottenham, missing out on Adama Traore and now Luis Diaz. Whilst Traore they could have got done, Portuguese sources always maintained that Diaz was unsure of Spurs move. https://t.co/kvCp8jaLTf
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) January 28, 2022
Sky Sports reporter Vinny O'Connor has claimed Diaz was always Jurgen Klopp's first choice transfer in this window.
"Obviously, it's far from done and could easily come to nothing," he said.
"However, Liverpool view this as an excellent deal if it gets completed - very much close to a Diogo Jota-type fee. Also, it is far better value than the original €60m asking price.
"Diaz was Jurgen Klopp's first choice for the summer, but they have brought those plans forward because it was clear if Liverpool didn't act this window, the player would move on."
O'Connor added: "This isn't done and could yet collapse - the player is in Argentina with his national team, so it will be far from straightforward to complete the deal.
"However, if it does get done, it's a big coup for Julian Ward, who is to succeed sporting director Michael Edwards in the summer. It was a deal in which Ward lead for the first time, but it is fair to say he's been supported strongly by Edwards who put together the strategy to secure the player this month."
Thoughts on Liverpool's move to sign Diaz? A good addition?
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Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Liverpool, Transfers, FC Porto, Premier League
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