Liverpool reveal Luis Diaz plan after rejecting Bayern Munich's too-low bid
Liverpool see Diaz, who scored 17 goals last season to help them win the Premier League title and who flourished as both a left winger and a striker for Arne Slot, as a key player for this season and the rest of his contract, which ends in 2027.
They believe Diaz is worth over €100m, a value they had attached for auditing purposes and in reference to the prices commanded by other high-class forwards in the Premier League and international transfer market.
They are aware there is also a long-standing interest in Diaz from the Saudi Pro League, where Bruno Fernandes, who is two years older than the Liverpool player, was a €100m target for Al-Hilal.
Barcelona had also shown interest in Diaz, but Liverpool had told the Spanish champions the former Porto player is not available.
Barca subsequently switched their attentions to Nico Williams, who instead decided to stay at Athletic Bilbao, while Marcus Rashford is also a target for them.
Bayern are looking for a replacement for winger Leroy Sane, who has joined Galatasaray on a free transfer, while the club's record appearance-maker, Thomas Muller, has also left and they will be without the injured Jamal Musiala for the first few months of the season.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
14 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Manchester United's Mbeumo push stalls after Brentford raise price towards £70m
Manchester United's push to buy Bryan Mbeumo has stalled after Brentford raised their valuation to closer to £70m, with Jim Ratcliffe intent on not being pushed into paying more than his club's £65m valuation of the forward. Mbeumo has told Brentford he wants to join United and at the end of June, Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox, his director of football, believed a £65m package would land the 25-year-old. Brentford also privately indicated a medical was expected imminently. The change of stance has been met with resistance by Ratcliffe and Wilcox, who do not wish to be held to ransom and are determined to be patient. Brentford view their position as firm because although Mbeumo's contract expires next summer the club hold a one-year option. If Ratcliffe, who runs football operations at United, and Wilcox decide to raise their offer they may first want money from the sale or loan of one of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. United claim all have asked to leave, so the club will listen to offers. Read More Bournemouth sign Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic on five-year deal Ruben Amorin is also targeting a centre-forward. The head coach has signed only Matheus Cunha this summer, for his £62.5m release clause at Wolves. In just over four weeks Arsenal visit to Old Trafford for United's Premier League opener. United's pre-season begins with Saturday's trip to Stockholm's Strawberry Arena to play Leeds before Amorim's squad fly to Chicago for a tour of the US, where they play West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton. Brentford have failed in an attempt to trigger Omari Hutchinson's £35m release clause from relegated Ipswich, although that is not expected to end their pursuit of the forward. Hutchinson would have been free to depart Portman Road if the terms of his clause had been met by 5pm on Tuesday. A series of late approaches from Brentford is understood to have been firmed up with an offer shortly before the deadline, but that failed to meet the requirements. The bid was spread in instalments, with Ipswich instead requiring cash up front. The expiry of the clause gives Ipswich greater control of the 21-year-old's destiny but their resolve could still be tested if Brentford return offering a more palatable payment structure. Brentford are undergoing a summer revamp under Keith Andrews and signing Hutchinson shone for England in their victorious Uefa Under-21 Championship campaign. Bournemouth on Wednesday completed the £25m signing of the goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea on a five-year deal. The Serbia international said: 'I came to Bournemouth because I want to grow and I want to play at the best level. Together with this club, with these facilities, I think we can achieve it.' Guardian
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Granit Xhaka in talks over shock Sunderland transfer as fans predict when ex-Arsenal star will get first red card
GRANIT XHAKA could be set for a shock £10million return to the Premier League. Leverkusen's 32-year-old former Arsenal star is wanted by newly-promoted Sunderland to spearhead their survival fight. Advertisement 6 Granit Xhaka has become a fan hero at Leverkusen, making 99 appearances already Credit: Getty 6 Sunderland need Premier League experience in their ranks Credit: Alamy And the Black Cats are willing to offer the Swiss international midfielder a three-year contract to lure him to the Stadium of Light. Xhaka still has three years left on his deal with the German giants but could be allowed to leave this summer. Sunderland have already splashed out £110m on six new recruits as they prepare for life back in the Prem. And the vastly-experienced Xhaka fits the profile of player that boss Regis Le Bris hopes to bring him to help lead his young squad. Advertisement Read more Though the North East club are facing stiff competition from Saudi Arabia to pull-off the ambitious swoop. Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal after signing from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016. He went on to lift the FA Cup twice and made almost 300 appearances for the Gunners. The star left for Leverkusen in 2023 and was instrumental in their incredible Bundesliga and German Cup successes that season. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He made a further 49 matches last term as they finished second to Bayern Munich. Fans on social media were quick to react to the news - and it's clear a lot of them haven't forgotten about Xhaka's fiery nature. Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeat 6 Advertisement The Switzerland captain was One fan wrote: 'Hands down he gets a red in the first match vs Newcastle.' Bitter enemies Newcastle and Sunderland haven't played each other in the league since 2016, but every clash between the North East giants guarantees drama. Advertisement They did play against each other in the FA Cup third round in 2024, with Newcastle winning 3-0 at the Stadium of Light - and it was clear both clubs were ready to reignite the rivalry. 6 And a replacement for Jobe Bellingham Credit: Getty 6 Fans think he'll be a perfect fit for the Tyne-Wear derby Credit: Reuters The Tyne and Wear derby will resume on December 13 at Sunderland, with the reverse fixture set for March 21. Advertisement Sunderland summer to Borussia Dortmund , and will no doubt be looking to reinstill that star quality in the squad. Xhaka will also offer the Premier League experience their young squad needs. The 32-year-old made 297 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 23 goals and assisting 29. Meanwhile, Sunderland are also targeting a move for Bologna's Colombian international defender Jhon Lucumi. Advertisement The 27-year-old, who has a £24m release clause but Roma are also weighing up a potential offer. 6
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Ashley Young ‘offered emotional return to former club' as ex-England star, 40, has no plans to retire
ASHLEY YOUNG has been offered an emotional return to a former club. The defender is searching for the next chapter in his 22-year career after leaving summer . 1 Ashley Young is wanted by former club Watford Credit: Getty He made 32 Premier League appearances last season, proving his fitness is as good as ever. Young is now attracting interest from former club The full-back, who turned 40 last week, is open to a Vicarage Road return. It is understood the club have no concerns over his age or fitness, but will leave the final decision down to new boss Paulo Pezzolano. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Young made 110 appearances for Watford between 2003 and 2007, helping the Hornets win promotion to the Premier League in 2006. And he is not ready to retire just yet, revealing at the end of last season that he feels fitter than he has for years. He told talkSPORT: 'It's been one of those things where I've played so much this season. 'I feel so fit. I've not felt as fit as I have done for years. I just want to continue playing, however that may look, however that may seem, I'm not ready to retire. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'I'm definitely going to carry on next season. Whichever way that is. I'm not getting any younger. I'm going to be 40 in July. 'I feel as fit as when I was in my 20s. I'm definitely going to continue. The stats are there - I've played 31 times this season and I feel I can keep going.' 'Beautiful' moment 'gutted' Ashley Young consoles son Tyler after they are denied historic father vs son FA Cup clash
