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Liverpool are standing firm on their desire to keep Luis Diaz, despite the player being keen on a move away, Rousing The Kop understands.
Diaz had been hoping to enter discussions over a new contract at Anfield this summer, and has been left disappointed by the club’s failure to award him an extension.
The 28-year-old believes Liverpool had indicated that a new deal would be forthcoming at the end of the season, and his camp are understood to be frustrated that this was not honoured.
In the meantime, Barcelona have been interested in signing Diaz, although Liverpool’s asking price would have to be significantly reduced to make the package feasible for the Catalans.
Bayern Munich are understood to be more capable of reaching Liverpool’s valuation, although their experience of signing Sadio Mane from the Reds is thought to be causing some reservations over value for money.
Bayern’s top price is understood to be around £65m, although sources have indicated that this would not be considered an acceptable fee by Liverpool.
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Although Liverpool are holding firm on their desire to keep Diaz in the face of interest from Barcelona and Bayern, it is understood that this could yet change.
Reports from Germany have suggested Diaz has handed in a transfer request to Liverpool, although RTK understands this is unlikely to soften the Reds’ approach.
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Nevertheless, sources have indicated that if an offer were made for Diaz at a fee Liverpool deemed acceptable, he could still reluctantly be sold.
For now, it is understood that the most likely source of this offer is expected to come from Saudi Arabia.
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Diaz would prefer a move to Bayern or Barca over the Middle East, but the Pro League sides are capable of reaching Liverpool’s valuation.
Whether or not they make that offer, and whether Diaz is open to joining, remains to be seen.
As things stand, Liverpool are determined to hold firm in the face of mounting interest from Barcelona and Bayern.
The Reds view Diaz as a world-class talent and have no plans to let him go.
Still, there remains a sense that the Liverpool hierarchy do have a figure in mind which would see them part with Diaz.
Despite that, cards are very much being played close to the chest by insiders at Anfield, who are not willing to be drawn into naming a figure.
However, it is understood that should Liverpool sell Diaz, it would only be for significantly more than £65m.