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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Jake Bayliss

Barcelona failed in Luis Diaz transfer 'hijack' as Liverpool face Franck Kessie PSG fight

Liverpool reduced the gap to Manchester City back down to nine points with a well-earned 2-0 win over Leicester City on Thursday night.

January signing Luis Diaz was handed his first start by Jurgen Klopp and appeared to strike up an instant partnership with Andy Robertson down the left flank.

Though the transfer market has only recently closed, that hasn’t stopped reports circulating about the fallout from Liverpool ’s dealings last month or the club’s plans for the summer.

Here’s a round-up of all the latest transfer rumours and gossip surrounding the Reds after their well-deserved win over Brendan Rodgers’ side.

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Who?

Luis Diaz

Where?

Marca , via Sports Mole

What?

Barcelona were “close to hijacking” Liverpool’s deal for Luis Diaz, according to reports in Spain.

The Reds managed to seal a £49m move for the Porto star in the final few days of the transfer window, after fending off initial interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Sports Mole, via Spanish outlet Marca, stated that Barcelona had “reached an agreement” with Diaz before his move to Anfield.

The quotes reportedly come from Spanish outlet El Pais, who claimed that the club’s failure to move on Ousmane Dembele meant that Barcelona were unable to make a decisive move for the 25-year-old.

Who?

Noa Lang

Where?

Milan News 24 , via Sport Witness

What?

Having been previously linked with a move for Club Brugge’s Noa Lang earlier in the season, Liverpool’s reported interest is “scaring off” AC Milan, according to reports in Italy.

Milan News 24 include quotes from Gazzetta dello Sport Journalist Carlo Laudisa, in which it is said that an alleged €40m asking price and Liverpool’s interest “are putting the brakes” on the deal.

Milan are now claimed to be targeting his teammate Charles De Ketelaere, who it is reported would command a similar fee to Lang.

Netherlands international Lang has enjoyed an impressive season in Belgium, recording six goals and 11 assists in 23 league games so far this term.

Who?

Franck Kessie

Where?

Marca , via HITC

What?

Liverpool are reportedly “fighting” Barcelona and PSG to sign AC Milan’s Franck Kessie this summer.

The midfielder is set to leave the San Siro as a free agent, leading to Liverpool being one of several European clubs being linked with his signature.

Marca reports that Kessie is in “pole” position to be targeted by Barcelona this summer as the club look towards free agents as a way to navigate their ongoing financial issues.

The report continues that the Spanish club see him as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets, though Liverpool and PSG are also interested in the Ivory Coast international.

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