Talks BEGIN with AC Milan over €80m forward

There are question marks around the futures of several Liverpool first-team stars. Despite winning the Premier League title, Richard Hughes and Arne Slot are not standing still.

We could see plenty of star names depart - as the sporting director and head coach identify areas of the squad to upgrade. It’s no secret that the club would like improved options up front, with Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez both earmarked for a sale.

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Others such as Federico Chiesa and Luis Diaz could also come into the equation with widespread interest materialising in both. Liverpool have got two very different situations with Chiesa and Diaz.

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For the Italian, his move from Juventus simply hasn’t worked out. He’s played only four times in the Premier League and there are a lot of teams in Serie A who would happily bring him back.

Diaz, meanwhile, is well-liked inside the club but his contract situation places him at risk. The 28-year-old is under contract until 2027 and so far the club have been unable to make a breakthrough in negotiations over a new deal.

He earns £55,000 per week - much lower than his attacking colleagues - and would like a renewal on around three times that amount. So far, Liverpool are unwilling to pay it.

AC Milan hold talks over Diaz

And with time ticking down on his contract, we could see Diaz leave for a big fee this summer rather than on a free in 2027. Several clubs have been reported as interested in Diaz - among them Barcelona and Al-Hilal and a price of €80m has been mooted.

But one intriguing option has now opened up in the shape of AC Milan, who are plotting a summer overhaul following a poor season.

The Rossoneri are not going to be in the Champions League next season but are determined to rebuild nonetheless. Their plans start with Diaz, according to Calciomercato, and talks have taken place.

“There are already contacts between his entourage and the most important Italian clubs,” a report reads. “In particular with Milan, which among its objectives for next season also has that of significantly strengthening the forward department.”

Liverpool's contract issues

Diaz is having his best-ever season for the Reds. He has scored 16 goals overall - 12 in the league and has even filled in at centre forward for Arne Slot.

But the Reds must weigh up carefully whether they can get more seasons like this out of Diaz or else cash in while his value is high.

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It is perhaps the trickiest summer situation looming over Richard Hughes, alongside Ibrahima Konate. Having sorted the contracts for Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, it doesn’t get any easier for the Reds’ sporting director.