12 March 2024 , 15:47
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Barcelona have shown an interest in Liverpool forward Luis Diaz.
But the Spanish giants have been told he is not for sale with Diaz a key part of Liverpool's long-term plans. Reports in Colombia suggest that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has sounded out Diaz's advisers.
But any hint of a deal looks like a no-go as Diaz has been in superb form since returning from injury. Barcelona are stuck in a financial crisis so it would be impossible to see a deal happening even if Liverpool were open to selling the Colombian winger.
It is reported that Liverpool have quoted between €120m (£102m) and €140m (£120m) for their winger, a fee that Laporta has slammed as “unfeasible". Diaz, 27, was signed for £37.5m in January 2022 and has been another big transfer success for Liverpool.
He has scored 22 goals in 85 appearances in all competitions, winning the FA Cup and two League Cups, during his time at Anfield. Diaz still has over three years remaining on his contract on Merseyside.
Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer
Should Barcelona eventually manage to somehow get a deal over the line, he would become the third high-profile star to quit Anfield for the Camp Nou over the last decade. Striker Luis Suarez sealed a £75m move to Barcelona in 2014.
He was followed by Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho in January 2018. He sealed a £140m switch, a decision that now looks misguided.
Joan Laporta has balked at Liverpool's asking price for Luis Diaz (Getty Images)Who do you think Liverpool should sign in the summer? Share your suggestions in the comments below
But Coutinho insists that he does not have any regrets over moving to Spain. Speaking to Sport, he said: “No. At no time [does he have any regret]. Things did not turn out as I imagined, as people expected, as I expected because I am the first to demand of myself on the field, I tell myself that I have to give more on the field. I tried everything, I have always been very professional and I don’t regret anything.
“It was always my dream to play for Barça and I went there, I enjoyed it, I was able to meet many people, win titles and it will always be in the story of my life.”
Asked if he would change anything about his experience, he added: “Nothing. I would not change anything. Going back is impossible, but as I said I don’t regret anything, I always gave my best in training as I do here and as I did last year and as I will do next year. If things fit well, great and if not, patience.”
Away from Barcelona’s interest in Diaz, Liverpool also have a task on their hands to keep Mo Salah. Saudi clubs continue to circle around the Egyptian forward.
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