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Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have waded into the Luis Diaz transfer saga at Liverpool, with the Portuguese star pushing for him to make the move to Saudi Arabia.
Diaz’s future is a major talking point at Anfield this summer, with the Colombian having been linked with a move away for the past 12 months now. The speculation has gone up a gear this week though, with Bayern Munich having a $79 million bid turned down.
Liverpool remains adamant that the winger is not for sale, although Diaz is said to have told the club he wants to leave after it became clear the Reds have no plans to extend his contract this summer.
Diaz is claimed to be valued internally at around $117M, with Bayern still a long way off that figure, while Barcelona also had an approach knocked back earlier this summer.
Saudi Arabia could provide another option though, and Ronaldo might well play a big part if Diaz does make the move to the Middle East.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Ronaldo has personally asked his club Al-Nassr to try and sign Diaz, believing that the 28-year-old could be the next big star to boost the profile of the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr is also said to be the only club so far to have indicated it would be willing to meet Liverpool’s valuation, which might work in its favor if the Reds are to make a U-turn on their stance.
Diaz though has not shown any interest in leaving Europe thus far, with Barcelona having been touted as his preferred destination.
The winger has already addressed the speculation linking him with Al-Nassr. When questioned about the interest from Saudi Arabia recently, DIaz replied: "We're in the process of negotiations, talking with the club, with Liverpool, with everyone who's approaching us.
“But I'm very calm where I am, you know, very happy. Trying to make the best decision now."
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Regarding his future, Diaz told Win Sports: "We don't know yet. Nothing, nothing (to say).
“We're there talking with the management, we're calm where I am. So nothing (to say), we're talking about matters."
Diaz might not be the only player leaving Liverpool this summer. Darwin Nunez has also been touted for an exit, although a move to Napoli looks to be off the table now.
Nevertheless, the Uruguayan could soon be on the move as Liverpool steps up its pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, with a bid ready to be launched as personal terms look to have been agreed.
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