Former England winger Stewart Downing has revealed that Leeds United were interested in Luis Diaz before he decided to join Liverpool in January. The Colombian international had attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs after impressing for Porto both domestically and in Europe.
The 25-year-old scored 41 times in 125 appearances for the Dragões and stood out in two Champions League games against Liverpool earlier in the season. Subsequently, the Reds were keen to bring Diaz to Anfield and Jurgen Klopp chose to do the deal in the winter window, rather than the summer.
However, it has been claimed that the Whites were amongst those keen on Diaz as they attempt to strengthen their squad in the attacking third. Jack Harrison, Raphinha and Dan James can all play in Diaz's more natural left-wing berth, but they do lack depth in other positions across the front line.
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Diaz, who has already scored twice in league six matches for Liverpool, could've given Leeds another ounce of quality as they look to stay in the Premier League. And Downing has revealed which other top-flight clubs were keen in his signature.
"Diaz has been brilliant. The first thing I look at then a player comes to the Premier League is the physicality. How do they handle all that? But he looks like he likes it. He gets stuck in, he bounces straight back up, he goes again," Downing told Goal.
"Suarez was a bit like that. He had all the ability in the world, but he had that burning desire as well, never to give up. I look at Diaz and I see that same desire. “He’s hit the ground running. It helps that the team is winning and he has unbelievable players around him.
"He looks like he’s been here for years. It says a lot about him that he’s been able to do that. A lot of clubs were chasing Diaz – I know Everton, Spurs, Leeds were all looking – but it couldn’t have turned out better for him, I don’t think. He’s got the best move and Liverpool have got a great player.
"Credit to him for coming and backing himself. A lot of players might have wondered if they’d play, but Diaz, just like Jota, has backed himself and look at the impact those two have had."
