€80m Liverpool star is now Barcelona's BIGGEST transfer focus

The last few days have seen an increase in transfer stories linking Luis Diaz with a move away from Liverpool.

First, there were reports suggesting that Bayern Munich were ready to make a move for the €80m-rated winger. Then came the stories that the Colombian was determined to force through a transfer this summer.

READ MORE: Luis Diaz strikes agreement with Liverpool

And now it appears that Barcelona are ready to get back in on the act. The Catalans were early frontrunners for Diaz earlier in the window but changed tack and pursued a move for Nico Williams instead.

READ MORE: €40m Arne Slot favourite wants Liverpool move

With a €60m release clause in his Athletic Club contract, the 22-year-old Spaniard was seen as a more achievable target with Liverpool holding steady in their valuation of Diaz.

Barcelona miss out on Nico Williams

But Nico shocked the football world and disappointed Barca by agreeing to a stunning 10-year contract renewal with his hometown club - which also removed the attractive release clause.

Now the Athletic is reporting that Barcelona again have Diaz in their sights due to missing out on Williams.

“Diaz is the biggest focus in the sporting directors’ department,” a report reads.

“From a football perspective, Deco believes the 28-year-old fits best what they are looking for in a new attacker — on top of being more of a ready-made footballer than Williams.

“Barcelona would like to make an approach for Diaz in the future, but are very aware of the current delicate situation at Liverpool.”

Liverpool back to work this week

The delicate situation of course refers to the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and younger brother Andre Silva in a road traffic accident in Spain last week.

It goes without saying that the focus right now at Anfield is on neither incoming nor outgoing transfer deals.

The first tranch of players reported for pre-season duty on Tuesday and the club have pencilled in a pre-season tune-up against Preston on Sunday.

READ MORE: Confirmed £55m deal could trigger next major Liverpool transfer

Nonetheless there are still several situations unresolved over a number of players which will need sorting before the transfer window closes.

Diaz is chief among them with the player’s contract expiring in 2027 and no prospect of a new deal on the horizon.