Manchester United deny plans to sign Luis Diaz this January as Liverpool make transfer bid
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United had no plans to sign Porto winger Luis Diaz as Liverpool have made a bid to get him in the January transfer window. He could be in line to move to Anfield before the deadline date passes on Monday.
Man United were linked to Diaz this month alongside Tottenham Hotspur, who had targeted him but the Reds have now taken over the ropes in an attempt to get his services. The Merseyside club has tabled an offer worth £37.5million, which could become £50million if the add-ons are met in the future.
The Red Devils chiefs have now responded to claims of their interest and were left “bemused” by it. They are adamant that the club did not pursue the Colombian, denying the links in the process. Our midfield has been labelled as the “biggest problem”, so it is understandable why they have refuted the supposed interest.
Sour grapes?
The Manchester club directly addressed what their intentions were this month, so this should put an end to all the talks linking us to the 25-year-old. While he would have been an exciting prospect had we pursued him, we arguably do not need any strengthening up top, at least for this season.
We have not made any movements in the winter transfer window when it comes to incomings and hence, it would have been puzzling if we pursued the Porto star while leaving the midfield as it is. A defensive midfielder being added to our ranks could do Ralf Rangnick a world of good.
With players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga, who can play on the left-hand side of the attacking setup, we are more than covered on the left flank. That is without considering Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood, with the duo capable of playing down that flank if and when called upon.
However, even when the midfield is identified as a priority, it is baffling, to say the least, that the management has not done anything to back Ralf Rangnick this month. While Paul Pogba could return soon from his injury, which would be a boost, his contract standoff more or less means he could leave this summer itself.
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Moreover, Nemanja Matic is well past his prime whereas Fred and Scott McTominay could arguably be upgraded on in the future. Donny van de Beek and Jesse Lingard continue to be isolated from first-team action as well, so there are not many options for Rangnick to choose from.
With time running out, it remains to be seen if the board addresses the instability by signing someone this month. After all, it is one thing identifying a problem and a whole other thing to actually do something to solve it.
