Luis Diaz: Incoming signing tipped to replace Liverpool star Sadio Mane after source’s £50m reveal – Whelan
Noel Whelan has suggested Luis Diaz could provide some much-needed “competition and cover” for Sadio Mane ahead of his prospective move to Liverpool.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old Porto star could slot into any of the attacking positions at Anfield.
As revealed by Football Insider on Friday (29 January), Diaz is set to undergo a medical this weekend before completing a move worth a potential £50million.
A Liverpool source told this site a delegation are jetting out to South America to oversee the final stages of the move.
It is understood the Reds’ offer of an initial £37.5million, plus £12.5million in add-ons, has been accepted.
Whelan suggests Diaz’s arrival would provide Jurgen Klopp with the option to replace Mane in the starting XI.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “They don’t go out there and buy players just off the back of other clubs talking to them.
“They go out there to see if they fit the right credentials of the style of play. It’s very much like a Diogo Jota. They’ve got to have those footballing necessities: the way they play, the style of play.
“I’m sure that they’ve done their homework on him. Like Jota, brilliant fit for Liverpool. I’m sure they’ve looked at him and gone: ‘Yeah, he can play anywhere across the front three. Even in a number 10 role if need be.’
“You need that competition and cover for players like Mane. We’re seeing it now with the African Cup of Nations, you need strength in depth in those areas and he could replace him down the line.
“They’re big players to Liverpool. Right now, that makes sense. It really does make sense.”
Diaz has scored 16 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this season.
Meanwhile, Mane, 29, has netted 10 times in 26 games for Liverpool.
In other news, pundit claims Liverpool could replace Mo Salah after update from Italy.