Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Luis Díaz missed the friendly with AC Milan due to ongoing speculation linking him with a transfer.

Colombian winger Luis Diaz was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their 4-2 friendly defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday and Arne Slot has confirmed it was due to uncertainty over his future at Liverpool.

Liverpool and Chelsea are carrying the brunt of the load, with the Blues the league’s highest spenders before an agreement is struck for Ekitiké. The world champions, according to Transfermarkt, have splashed out £211 million ($283 million) and have been heavily reimbursed via their work in the United States this summer.

On a recent Transfer Show podcast, Dave Davis and Trev Downey returned from holidays to an explosive Liverpool transfer window. Podcast listeners were greeted with vivid imagery as Trev described: “We come back with a bang.

The Swedish striker is eager to leave Newcastle and Arne Slot's side could land him alongside another elite forward, reports claim.

Hugo Ekitiké's initial price might garner interest, but being new to the Premier League casts doubt over reliability.

Liverpool’s current forward line remains in transition following Firmino’s departure. While Darwin Núñez has worked tirelessly since his arrival, comparisons with Firmino are both inevitable and, at times, unforgiving. Núñez’s style is vastly different, and his tenure has had moments of brilliance as well as frustration.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes would love to bring Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with Rodrygo the second-choice target.