Liverpool could include key player in offer for £130 million Serie A star

Liverpool’s hopes of securing a place in the top four this season were dealt yet another blow as they were held to a goalless draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday. 

The Reds currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, with fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur nine points ahead of them.

Liverpool may therefore have to settle for a place in either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League, unless they are able to overturn Real Madrid’s advantage in their Champions League last 16 tie and go on to win the trophy.

Jurgen Klopp’s side could look quite different next term, with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner set to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Now, it appears that Liverpool are prepared to let another of their biggest stars leave.

According to CalcioMercato via HITC, Liverpool are keen on signing AC Milan forward Rafael Leao and could offer Luis Diaz as part of a player-plus-cash deal.

Portugal international Leao has been one of the most impressive attacking players in Europe this season and is attracting interest from a number of clubs, but his current employers would reportedly demand around £130 million for him.

Leao is set to be the subject of plenty of interest this summer

The Premier League side could therefore look to reduce that fee by adding a big-name player to their offer, and Diaz is reportedly one of those who could be included.

Diaz, 26, only joined Liverpool from Porto last January, but the forward has already impressed during his short spell at Anfield so far.

In 38 games for the club across all competitions, the Colombia international has netted ten goals and provided eight assists.

Liverpool boss Klopp has plenty of options in the wide attacking areas, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and new signing Cody Gakpo all able to operate out wide.

Diaz’ starting spot is therefore far from guaranteed when he returns from injury, and The Reds are considering offering him in a swap deal.

Leao, 23, has scored nine goals and provided ten assists in 32 matches across all competitions for AC Milan this season, and also impressed for Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar.

Despite Liverpool’s potential offer, the report claims that AC Milan would likely still reject the bid as other clubs in Europe would be more willing to meet their £130 million valuation outright.