Liverpool have reportedly sent a firm message to Barcelona by informing them that Luis Diaz is not for sale this summer. But another of the Colombian's suitors, Al-Nassr, are believed to be eyeing up a big-money offer which could put the Reds' resolve to the test.
Diaz was a prominent player under Arne Slot last season, featuring in all bar two Premier League games, scoring 13 goals and laying on five assists. The 28-year-old has long been linked with a move to La Liga, and Barcelona sporting director Deco stirred the pot last month by admitting that he is an admirer.
Things progressed to the point of Barca making contact with Liverpool to discuss the possibility of a move this week. According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, the Catalan club were told in no uncertain terms that Anfield bosses are not open to doing a deal.
But the same report states that Al-Nassr are prepared to ignore Liverpool's message and try their hand anyway. The Saudi side are willing to go as high as £72million for Diaz, which would allow the Reds to nearly double their money three-and-a-half years after signing him.
The Saudi side are on the hunt for a star name amid growing rumours about Cristiano Ronaldo leaving them during the current window. As a player with bags of Premier League experience and a gleaming new title to boast, Diaz fits the brief.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool could change their tune once cold, hard cash is on the table. The Merseyside outfit have already splashed out on Jeremie Frimpong this summer and fellow Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz may not be far behind him.
Liverpool's second bid for Wirtz tipped the scales at an eye-watering £109.6m, but still Leverkusen want more. The sale of Diaz could start to look more and more tempting if Slot continues pestering transfer chief Richard Hughes for more signings before the window closes.
Another name linked with Anfield is Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. And like Wirtz, the youngster's services would not come cheap. The Bundesliga side have been quoting interested parties £84m, with Chelsea also in the hunt.
Even aside from Diaz, Liverpool do have a stable of valuable assets to fund the pursuits of their pricey transfer targets. Caoimhin Kelleher and Trent Alexander-Arnold have moved on already, while the likes of Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez are also set to leave before the end of the summer.