Liverpool star Luis Diaz in line for shock transfer exit as Reds make Mo Salah decision and line up three new deals
LUIS DIAZ is in line to be the biggest name exit from Liverpool this summer — if they can tie down Mo Salah to a new deal.
Several Spanish clubs have their eyes on Kop forward Diaz.
The Reds are prepared to listen to offers due to their wealth of attacking options.
The top priority for Jurgen Klopp’s successor is new contracts for Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.
And the outcome relating to Salah in particular will have a bearing on the future of 27-year-old Colombia ace Diaz.
He struggled in the first half of the season — even before his parents were kidnapped in his homeland.
But Diaz has recently shown glimpses of his initial form after moving from Porto for £37m in January 2022.
Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip are set to leave Anfield when their contracts expire this summer.
Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk all have just one full season left on their current deals.
Saudi Pro League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain want Salah while captain Van Dijk has rowed back on comments that he was unsure of his future after Klopp’s exit.
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The Reds realise they can have only sensible conversations with their stars once a new sporting director and Klopp’s replacement are in place.
The sporting director, who could be named in the coming fortnight, will have input into the identity of the new manager.
Bayer Leverkusen chief Xabi Alonso — a former Kop hero — is favourite to get Klopp’s job.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim are also candidates.
No direct approaches have yet been made but it is believed Alonso’s camp have been kept informed of Liverpool’s timetable.
Chiefs expect a relatively quiet summer in the transfer market although Bayern Munich are eyeing left-back Andy Robertson.
And the Reds are braced for bids for back-up keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who has shone in Alisson’s absence.