Liverpool has been told that it would likely have to pay well in excess of $100 million to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle this summer.
The Reds were keen on a move for the former Everton winger last summer, and for a while it looked as though the Magpies might be forced to cash in on one of their star players as they worked to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
In the end, Newcastle sold Yankuba Minteh and Elliott Anderson to Brighton and Nottingham Forest respectively, raising around $90 million and quelling the need to sell Gordon.
The 24-year-old went on to sign a new contract at Newcastle, and speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool has died down.
It has not totally gone away though, and that could have something to do with the persistent rumors linking Luis Diaz with a move away from Liverpool.
Were Diaz to leave, Liverpool would likely enter the market for a new forward, and that could see Liverpool revisit its interest in Gordon.
If Luis Diaz departs, Liverpool will need to replace him
If Luis Diaz departs, Liverpool will need to replace him (Image: AFP or licensors)
Addressing the possibility of Gordon joining Liverpool, Football Insider claimed that the Reds will only be in the market for a left winger if Diaz departs. It's claimed Liverpool is keeping an eye on Gordon and still like the player, but Newcastle does not want to sell.
Thanks to Gordon's long-term deal, Newcastle would only sell him if an offer between $101 million and $115 million is tabled. Newcastle's PSR situation is much better thanks to securing Champions League soccer for the upcoming season.
Al-Nassr is reportedly willing to spend $97 million on Diaz, which could seriously test the Reds' resolve during the summer transfer window.
Liverpool has no intention of selling Diaz, but an offer of that magnitude could prompt club bosses to sit up and take notice, particularly considering the player is on course to leave for free in two years' time.
Liverpool made it clear to Barcelona last week that Diaz is not for sale after rebuffing an approach from the Catalan club. However, there is said to be little expectation that Diaz will pen an extension to his current contract at Liverpool, which is due to expire in 2027.