Liverpool are reportedly ‘set to compete’ for the signing of FC Porto forward Luis Diaz.
The Reds are believed to be preparing to enter the market for attacking additions as Jurgen Klopp prepares to be without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Both wingers will leave Merseyside for the African Cup of Nations for a prolonged period in January and Liverpool look set to struggle without their key men.
According to a report from CalcioMercato, as cited by Anfield Edition on Twitter, Diaz is a leading candidate to fill the void.
The report claims mega-rich Newcastle United and AS Roma are also keen in the 29-cap Columbian whilst cross-park rivals Everton were close to the capture in the summer.
This season Diaz, who was described as ‘excellent’ by Juan Cuadrado, has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 16 appearances across all competitions – more than Mane has managed for the Reds.
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Whilst Diaz possesses a variety of impressive attacking attributes that would certainly endear Klopp to the prospect, signing a player for what would appear to be a short-term solution isn’t in the modus operandi at Anfield.
Almost exclusively operating as a left-winger for club and country, the 2020/21 Copa America top marksman would offer a strong alternative to Mane during AFCON.
However, whether the Columbian is talented enough to keep out the Senegalese ace long term is up for debate – especially having been kept quiet by James Milner this term – and could lead to unnecessary overcrowding in one position.
Valued at £22.5million and under contract in Portugal until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the money involved in prizing the ace away would likely be better spent on a more versatile attacking option.
