Liverpool have reportedly zeroed in on Porto star forward Luis Diaz as their top target for the forthcoming January transfer window, according to Danny Castles from the Transfer Window podcast.
Jurgen Klopp will lose both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane at the turn of the year when the pair head to the African Cup of Nations and the Liverpool boss will be urged to bring in reinforcements for his ranks.
Luis Diaz is suggested to be a name top of the wishlist at Anfield on the back of the Columbian international’s stellar run of form in front of the goal for Porto so far in this campaign.
With 12 goals and three assists in 15 league outings to his name, Diaz will be tracked closely by the Liverpool camp who are on the lookout for much-needed firepower in the final third in light of Salah and Mane’s imminent departure for international duty.
Castles reckons Liverpool will have a sizable budget in place to scout the market for a new recruit and Diaz is the top target despite Porto’s reluctance on parting ways with their star first-teamer midway through the season.
“Liverpool have a budget and are targeting a top-level forward.
“So significant money to spend to improve that position.
“They’re ready to do it in January if the right player becomes available in the January window but definitely will do something in the summer if they have to wait on a particular player.
“And this player who is one of the candidates, it seems more likely they’ll have to wait until the summer to get him, is Luis Diaz at FC Porto.
“The difficulty for January is that I’m told Porto will not sell mid-season.
“He’s too important to the team, would be unacceptable to the Porto supporters and they want to win the Portuguese league.
“So they say they’ve had no direct contact from Liverpool at this stage, they’re aware that Liverpool have been in contact with the player but their position is ‘we won’t sell in January, come back again in the summer’.”
