Jurgen Klopp sanctions transfer for €80m man who ‘delighted’ him at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp has given his “approval” for Liverpool to press ahead with their attempts to sign Porto winger Luis Diaz, claims a report.
The Colombia international has come onto the radar of Liverpool recently, according to the Portuguese press. The Reds are said to be looking at Diaz as a useful squad addition in January. Both Mo Salah and Sadio Mane will be away on AFCON duty in January. That may well force Klopp to look at bringing in some cover.
And now, after Klopp saw Diaz at close quarters over two matches, he has given the go ahead for Michael Edwards to pursue a transfer.
Any deal could be the last of Edwards’ successful 10-year spell at Anfield.
Of course Diaz has faced Liverpool twice in the Champions League group stage. Porto were beaten on both occasions but Diaz performed well in both games. So much so that Record, via Sport Witness claim Klopp has given his “approval” for Diaz’s transfer, saying he was “delighted” with the 24-year-old.
Diaz, who has scored 11 goals in 18 games this season, has a €80m release clause in a contract. He is also under contract until 2024, with Porto said to be desperate to keep him until the summer.
With that in mind the report claims Porto “do not rule out” the possibility of agreeing a new deal.
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Agent fans Diaz flames
Klopp’s need though is for January. And so the Reds are sure to insist on a deal that allows Diaz to move in the next few months. The trade off from Porto is likely to be that they keep Diaz until the summer, but remove the release clause for Liverpool to move next summer.
That would allow Liverpool to get Diaz for a reduced fee. But whatever evolves a deal looks complicated.
The agent of Diaz, Carlos Van Strahalen, spoke about the player’s future earlier this month.
“It’s normal. If a player plays well, if he starts to stand out, if the majority considers him the best player in the Portuguese League. If he’s the top scorer and is making a high-level Champions League, that interest is normal,” Van Strahalen told Radio Renascença.
“Can he leave Porto? I don’t know, I can’t even talk much at the moment, because I’m in a meeting, we’ll talk later.”
Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle and Everton are also said to be interested in Diaz.
READ MORE: Pundits agree Liverpool move would unlock ‘unreal’ winger’s potential
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