Manchester United are bemused by suggestions Liverpool could beat them to the signing of Porto winger Luis Diaz.
Tottenham have tracked Colombia international Diaz, 25, amid coach Antonio Conte's desire for a wide player but Liverpool are attempting to hijack the deal for an initial £37.5million move, rising to £50m.
It has been suggested United were in for Diaz but that has bemused figures at the club, who have clarified United had no intention of moving for Diaz this month.
The right-footed Diaz plays on the left wing for Porto and United wingers Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga's preferred position is on the left-hand side.
United have just loaned Anthony Martial, another right-footed left winger, to Sevilla and the left flank has not been considered a priority since Memphis Depay joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2015.
Sancho was originally earmarked as United's preferred right wing target but interim manager Ralf Rangnick confirmed Sancho favours playing from the left.
United gazumped Manchester City's offer to sign Alexis Sanchez in the January transfer window in 2018 and although Daniel James, signed from Swansea in 2019, was identified as a potential right-sided winger he was also more comfortable cutting in from the left.
Liverpool are attempting to reinforce their attack as Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both turn 30 this year and are also both out of contract in 2023.
The Manchester Evening News reported this week United's priority position in the market is central midfield, which is considered the 'biggest problem'.
