Liverpool has rebuffed an enquiry from Bayern Munich regarding Luis Diaz, with no intention of parting ways with its No. 7 in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The adaptable winger netted 17 goals across all competitions last season and has become a crucial component of Arne Slot's attacking line-up, occasionally stepping into the centre forward role and vying with Cody Gakpo for a position on the left flank.
Barcelona expressed interest last month, but Liverpool promptly brushed off the La Liga team's overtures, insisting that Diaz is not up for grabs. Bayern has shown interest in the ex-Porto star in recent days, but Liverpool has rejected an approach from the Bundesliga champions' sporting director, Max Eberl.
With two years remaining on his current contract, the Premier League champions are unperturbed about Diaz's situation, although the 28-year-old is eager to negotiate better terms.
Speculation about Diaz's salary was firmly refuted by Anfield insiders last year, and it's believed the forward earns around $190,000 (£140,000) at Anfield.
However, while on international duty last month, the Colombian international confessed that his agents were exploring other potential offers due to perceived stagnation in discussions about a new contract.
"We are currently in contact with Liverpool, because we are talking to clubs, and that's normal given the transfer market that's opening," Diaz remarked. "We're trying to arrange what's best for us.
"We're talking to clubs, it's normal in the market and we're looking at what's best for us. I'm waiting to see what happens. I'm very happy at Liverpool, I've always said so. They've welcomed me very well from day one. If they give us a good renewal or I stay there for two years, I'll be happy. Now it's up to them."
Luis Diaz continues to be linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer
Luis Diaz continues to be linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool isn't in any hurry to discuss new terms with Diaz's representatives at the moment, and it's understood that his Portuguese agent, Raul Pais da Costa, is close friends with Barcelona's sporting director Deco, who has been consistently asked about the interest in the Reds' winger over the summer.
"In the end, you follow a process," Deco stated last week. "Speak to the agent, look at the contract, and then see if the club wants the release clause paid or is open to talks.
"In Nico Williams's case [at Athletic Club], the clause is clear. We have a good group, and we want to keep it that way. Players like Nico or Luis Diaz have the right mindset. They're hungry to succeed, and that matters. If we close a winger, no more high-level players will arrive."
Liverpool was left scratching its heads over the persistent rumours surrounding Diaz's future after the Premier League season concluded, but eventually received a call from Barca seeking clarification. Now, Bayern is the latest to enquire, but has also been informed that the forward is not on the market.
Diaz has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, and considering Al-Hilal's readiness to shell out on Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, who is two years Diaz's senior, this could be the benchmark fee if interest from the Middle East solidifies.