Staff Reporter.
Luis Diaz has undergone his medical ahead of a £45m move to Liverpool, who expect to complete the signing of the Porto winger on Sunday.
Liverpool moved into pole position to sign Diaz this week after making a late swoop for the Colombia international, who was also wanted by Tottenham.
Spurs made an offer for Diaz, but the 25-year-old prefers a move to Liverpool, who are now set to make him their first signing of the January transfer window.
Diaz was manager Jurgen Klopp’s first choice for the summer window, but Liverpool accelerated their plans due to Spurs’ strong interest.
Liverpool are said to be offering an initial £37m, with bonuses included in the deal that will only be triggered if Diaz becomes a big success at Anfield.
Diaz is currently on international duty with Colombia, and is set to feature against Argentina in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.
He requires a work permit and is unlikely to arrive in Liverpool until the end of next week at the earliest.
Diaz has scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 18 league appearances this season for Porto, who are top of Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
Tottenham had been locked in talks with Porto over Diaz this week, with the Premier League club said to be willing to pay up to £46m, with £37.6m up front and £8.4m in performance-related add-ons.
There was confidence from both sides that a deal could be reached before Liverpool reignited their interest.
Spurs are now working hard on other targets ahead of Monday’s deadline, with Sky in Italy reporting they are in advanced talks to sign Juventus duo Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Spurs have offered Juventus an initial loan for Kulusevski with an obligation to buy for £33m (€40m) if they qualify for the Champions League and he plays a certain number of games.
The north London side have also offered a fee in the region of £25m (€30m) to buy Bentancur this month ahead of Aston Villa.
With inputs from Skysports.