Liverpool and Bayern Munich 'in advanced talks over £69m deal for Luis Diaz' - after star was left out of AC Milan pre-season defeat

Liverpool and Bayern Munich are reportedly in advanced talks over a £69million deal for winger Luis Diaz. 

According to Sky Sports, the winger is nearing a move to the Bundesliga giants, who have been linked with a move for him throughout the summer.  

It marks a second bid the Premier League champions have received for the Colombian international after turning down an initial offer of just shy of £58.5m – with Diaz is believed to be wanting an exit.

Diaz, 28, was left out of the Reds' squad to face AC Milan in their latest pre-season friendly.

Asked if the absence was linked to his future, Slot said: 'In Lucho's situation it was, yeah. 

'There are a lot of rumours around it lately and I cannot go into that. But he is training really well with us and we have decided, for now, not to play him yet.

'Does he want to leave? I am not the person to ask.'

Any movement on this front could free up resources for the Reds to complete a sensational swoop for wantaway Newcastle frontman Alexander Isak.

Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Thursday that Isak has told the club he wants to leave this summer and Liverpool are readying a British record offer. Several team-mates expect him to go, if the Reds pay the £150m the Magpies will demand.

Diaz, who is under contract until 2027, cost Liverpool £50m when they signed him from Porto in January 2022, beating Manchester United and Tottenham to his signature. He has gone on to become an integral member of their squad. 

During his side's charge to the Premier League title last season, the Colombia international scored 13 goals and registered seven assists in 36 top-flight matches.

He has taken part in training as usual in Hong Kong ahead of Saturday's friendly against AC Milan but did not play in friendlies against Preston or Stoke last week. 

Mail Sport reported earlier this month that Bayern's initial interest in Diaz had been rebuffed after a phone call from sporting director Max Eberl.

Barcelona were also in the race but have since stepped away due to a 'complication'.

Club president Joan Laporta told Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday: 'It's true that I liked Diaz, a very complete player, but due to his contract situation with Liverpool, it was complicated - although I appreciate the player who wanted to join us.'

Diaz looked to have dismissed rumours he would leave this summer, telling Telemundo in May, shortly after Liverpool's title triumph, that he was 'very, very happy'. He did, however, also admit he was in dialogue with other clubs.

'From day one, they've made me feel really welcome,' said Diaz.