Manchester City to battle Liverpool in the pursuit of FC Porto star
According to Spanish publication AS, Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are set to go head-to-head for FC Porto winger Luis Diaz.
Luis Diaz, 24, has been a standout performer for FC Porto this term as Sergio Conceicao’s side lead the standings. He’s been in blistering form since the beginning of the campaign, bagging nine goals and two assists in 11 league appearances.
The Colombian international’s sizzling displays for Porto has seen him attract attention from several big clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester City.
AS claims Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is eyeing a move for Diaz to cover for both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, who are scheduled to leave for AFCON in January. However, the winger won’t come cheap as he has an €80 million release clause, which Porto would usually ask to pay to secure the player’s signature.
On the other hand, Manchester City could lose Raheem Sterling in the upcoming January transfer window, the report adds. Sterling, 26, has found himself down the attacking pecking order at the Etihad Stadium and lacking regular starting opportunities this season. He has made only three Premier League starts to date and was an unused substitute in the Manchester derby before the international break.
Sterling has made it clear that he would not hesitate to leave Manchester City if his situation doesn’t improve in the coming weeks and months. Barcelona are understood to be one of the English ace’s admirers, and if he eventually does end up leaving the Sky Blues in January, Luis Diaz could be a top replacement.
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Diaz is a good dribbler, has excellent pace to burn and can finish off chances ruthlessly in the box. The Colombian would be the perfect cover for Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez. He ticks all the right boxes for Manchester City and is still some years away from hitting his prime.
However, it remains to be seen if the 24-year-old winger ends up making a move to the Premier League. If he does, those in Manchester blue would be hoping that he chooses the English champions over Klopp’s Liverpool.