Bayern Munich have reignited their interest in Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and talks are continuing over a potential deal this summer, Mail Sport understands.
The Reds rejected a bid in the region of £60million from the Bundesliga giants earlier in the window and insisted they had no intention of selling the winger.
But Bayern have been tracking Diaz all summer and despite seeing their first formal approach knocked back, they remain in dialogue with Anfield figures.
A second official bid has not yet been lodged. However, Liverpool place such importance on the 28-year-old that they may demand a fee beyond £100m – an eye-watering figure almost certain to be beyond Bayern’s reach.
Any movement on this front could free up resources for the Reds to complete a sensational swoop for wantaway Newcastle frontman Alexander Isak.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Thursday that Isak has told the club he wants to leave this summer and Liverpool are readying a British record offer. Several team-mates expect him to go, if the Reds pay the £150m the Magpies will demand.
Diaz, who is under contract until 2027, cost Liverpool £50m when they signed him from Porto in January 2022, beating Manchester United and Tottenham to his signature. He has gone on to become an integral member of their squad.
During his side’s charge to the Premier League title last season, the Colombia international scored 13 goals and registered seven assists in 36 top-flight matches.
He has taken part in training as usual in Hong Kong ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against AC Milan but did not play in friendlies against Preston or Stoke last week.
Mail Sport reported earlier this month that Bayern’s initial interest in Diaz had been rebuffed after a phone call from sporting director Max Eberl.
Barcelona were also in the race but have since stepped away due to a ‘complication’.
Club president Joan Laporta told Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday: ‘It’s true that I liked Diaz, a very complete player, but due to his contract situation with Liverpool, it was complicated – although I appreciate the player who wanted to join us.’
Diaz looked to have dismissed rumours he would leave this summer, telling Telemundo in May, shortly after Liverpool’s title triumph, that he was ‘very, very happy’. He did, however, also admit he was in dialogue with other clubs.
‘From day one, they’ve made me feel really welcome,’ said Diaz.
‘Right now we’re in contact with them because we’re speaking with [other] clubs. It’s normal, the market is open, and we’re trying to sort out what’s best for us.
‘I am just waiting to see what happens. If Liverpool doesn’t make a good offer, I still have two years left with them, I would be happy and content to stay there. And that’s it, everything depends on them obviously, it’s up to me to decide what’s best for us.’
Diaz’s partner, Gera Ponce, added fuel to the speculation by posting a series of photos on Instagram showing her, the children, and Diaz celebrating the title win in front of the Kop, along with clips from last Monday’s trophy parade through the city.
She captioned it: ‘From the first day we arrived, we felt first hand what it means to be a part of this club. We knew the slogan was “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, but to hear them sing it with so much passion, support us every moment and show such unconditional love… confirmed to us that here you never walk alone.
‘This fan doesn’t just support, it feels. And what you have made my boyfriend and our entire family feel is something we carry in our souls.
‘Thank you for so much love, for so much dedication and for making us feel at home. Being part of this fan is a privilege. There’s no doubt: they’re the best in the world.
‘This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms we’ll never walk alone’.
Saudi clubs, including Al Nassr, have also been monitoring Diaz for some time.
To date, Diaz has played 148 times for Liverpool, scoring 41 goals.
