Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp 'earmarked' £49m star for Anfield move

Jurgen Klopp was eager to lure Porto ace Luis Diaz to Liverpool from the moment he came up against the winger in the Champions League, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

Diaz suffered defeat in both group stage clashes against the Merseysiders earlier in the campaign, but he still earned a switch to Anfield in the final hours of the transfer window.

Liverpool bolstered their wide options by welcoming Diaz to the Premier League for a fee which could rise to £49million.

Should the add-ons needed to reach that figure be triggered, the 25-year-old will become the fourth most expensive arrival in the Reds' history.

Klopp could not hide his delight after getting the deal over the line, admitting he sees Diaz as an 'outstanding player' who he has 'been tracking for a very long time'.

Liverpool were only able to complete the signing after the Colombian underwent a medical thousands of miles away from Anfield in Argentina due to being on international duty.

It also saw the Reds beat Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur to Diaz's signature after the north Londoners had seen a £37.6million bid rejected just a matter of days earlier.

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Bridge understands Klopp took a shine to Diaz from the moment he saw him first-hand against his side earlier in the campaign.

The Sky Sports reporter believes the German immediately decided he wanted to welcome the winger to Anfield.

Bridge told GIVEMESPORT: "Liverpool earmarked him the minute he played against them in the Champions League this season.

"Klopp said, 'that's who we want next year'."

It is clear to see why Liverpool were so keen to sign Diaz as he has been a constant threat in the final