Manchester United Aim To Secure $90M Deal For South America's 'Cristiano Ronaldo': Report

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Porto winger Luis Diaz ahead of the January transfer window.

Manchester United will have to compete with Premier League rivals Liverpool FC in the race to sign Diaz, reported Spanish media outlet Fichajes.

While Liverpool are believed to be favorites to sign Diaz, Manchester City have also enquired about Diaz in recent weeks, according to The Hard Tackle. It is understood that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of Diaz.

City are looking at Diaz as a potential replacement for Ferran Torres, who could leave Etihad side to join FC Barcelona.

Following Porto’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League, the club is aware that Diaz would want to take up a new challenge and therefore, the Portuguese club is looking to cash in on the forward in January.

It has been reported that Diaz, who is contracted with Porto until 2024, has a release clause of around $90 million.

Diaz, who is considered one of the rising stars in soccer, came into the limelight during the 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 game between Argentina and Colombia, the Porto winger netted for his country before Colombia lost on penalties to Messi’s team, who were the eventual champions.

Fondly called the 'Cristiano Ronaldo' of South America, Diaz has netted 13 goals and three assists in 22 competitive games for Porto in the 2021-22 campaign. The Estádio do Dragão side is at the top of the league table with 38 points and have not suffered a defeat yet. Despite having as many points as second-placed Sporting, Porto are at the top because of a superior goal difference.

Diaz has been influential in Porto’s run in the Primeira Liga as the Colombian forward has scored 11 goals in 14 league games, apart from providing three assists.

Irrespective of the club that eventually secures Diaz, the young South American forward could be a great signing considering the player is yet to reach his peak.