Jurgen Klopp hails new transfer guru Julian Ward after "tough" Luis Diaz negotiations

Jurgen Klopp has praised the efforts of Julian Ward, who handled "tough negotiations" with Porto to seal a deal for Luis Diaz.

Liverpool completed the signing of the Colombian on Sunday morning.

The winger will moved to Anfield for £50m, with £37.5m of that being paid up front.

Tottenham were also in for Diaz, but the Reds have won the race with Ward playing a key role.

Liverpool have been shrewd operators when it comes to recruitment throughout Klopp's tenure at the club, with Michael Edwards a hugely influential figure.

The sporting director will step down this summer with Ward taking over.

Already the deputy sporting director has begun taking on more responsibility, which has not gone unnoticed by Klopp.

He told the club's website : “We know Porto is an outstanding club who nurture players in the best possible way and provide a brilliant football education. They are a class club and, I have to say, have been tough negotiators.

“I also must make clear my appreciation to our ownership and football operations team for how they have managed to act so decisively to get this done.

“Luis is a player we believe will make us better now and in the future. He is the player we really wanted and they’ve made it happen, so I am very happy.”

Diaz will provide competition for the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah at Anfield.

The pair have commanded the wide roles in attack but will now have to remain on top of their game with Klopp having a credible alternative.

Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino share the No 9 role.

Liverpool have previously enjoyed success in making January signings with Virgil van Dijk having a huge impact back in 2018.

Diaz has been tipped to do similarly with the Reds still fighting on all four fronts.

Klopp