Deadline Day: Liverpool Ignite Interest In 'Colombian Ronaldo,' Close To Signing Him: Report

Liverpool FC are reportedly close to signing Porto winger Luis Diaz before the deadline day of the January transfer window.

Liverpool are preparing to submit a bid of $67 million for 25-year-old Diaz, which includes add-ons as well, reported The Athletic. The January transfer window will close Monday.

Soon to be Liverpool's sporting director, Julian Ward, has led the club's negotiations for Diaz alongside his boss Michael Edwards. If the deal is completed in the winter market, it will be seen as a massive step for Ward, who is set to be Edwards' successor after the latter leaves in the summer, according to BBC Sport.

Diaz, who is contracted with Porto until 2024, was linked with Liverpool on a number of occasions in the past as the Colombian playmaker was Jurgen Klopp's top target for the 2022 summer.

However, the deal is going to be complicated as Diaz currently is on national duty in South America for games with Peru this Friday and with Argentina Tuesday. Once the agreement between Porto and Liverpool is finalized, Diaz could undergo his medicals in South Africa, according to The Times.

It was previously reported that Klopp had personally requested the club to secure a deal for Diaz, who is believed to be ready to make a switch to Anfield.

Diaz, who is fondly called the "Colombian Cristiano Ronaldo," became the talk of Copa America earlier this year when he finished as the tournament's highest goal scorer, along with Lionel Messi – both scored four goals each. Even during the semi-final match between Argentina and Colombia, Diaz netted for his country before Colombia lost on penalties to the eventual champions.

The Porto winger has had a fine season so far, having scored 16 goals and six assists in 28 competitive appearances for the Portuguese club. Porto are six points clear at the top of the league table and Diaz has been influential in their run.

Klopp's established front three – Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane – will turn 30 this summer and will enter the final 12 months of their contract.

Salah's contract situation, especially, is uncertain as he has not agreed to an extension yet. Apart from demanding the club to double his current wages, Salah has also asked for assurance that Liverpool would make new signings to strengthen the squad.