Liverpool boss Arne Slot has laughed off recent comments made by Barcelona sporting director Deco by revealing two players that he likes from the La Liga champions.
While the Merseyside giants are currently preparing to lift the Premier League title at Anfield on Sunday, club officials are putting together plans for the summer transfer window.
Although Liverpool have signalled their intent when it comes to signing a new right-back, they also face a battle to retain some of their star players.
With just two years left on his contract, Luis Diaz falls into that category and there has been consistent speculation regarding an eventual switch to Barcelona.
That talk intensified to a certain degree earlier this week when Deco admitted that he and Barcelona "like" the Colombia international.
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Slot responds to Deco
Unless Diaz pens fresh terms at Anfield, his name will continue to be linked with an exit, something that Slot will expect given the constant talk regarding the futures of other players throughout this campaign.
Nevertheless, rather than criticise Deco's recent comments, Slot instead responded by revealing two players that he likes at Barcelona.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the Dutchman said: "Did Deco say this about Diaz in the microphone or is that from hearsay. Yes, every club has his own way of doing things. I don't talk about players from other clubs.
"I understand he is a big admirer of Lucho Diaz. I am a big admirer of him as well. He is a great player and had a great season. I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha!"
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Should Liverpool be worried about interest?
In his three-and-a-half years at Liverpool, Diaz has only enhanced his reputation, contributing 41 goals and 23 assists from 147 appearances.
As such, Liverpool would expect to generate at least the £50m that they paid Porto for his signature, and that is where Barcelona's issue lies.
When already blessed with Yamal and Raphinha as their wide options, it appears highly unlikely that they would spend such a fee on a player who would not be guaranteed regular starts.
Furthermore, president Joan Laporta has already indicated that Barcelona will not be in the market for a wide player during the summer transfer window.
On the flip side of Liverpool potentially retaining Diaz's services for another year, his valuation will only decrease if he decides to be insistent over eventually taking on a new challenge.
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Darren Plant
