Diaz transfer move serves as Jurgen Klopp warning to Mane

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Porto star Luis Diaz, a move that will no doubt bolster their attacking options but also serve as a warning from Jurgen Klopp to Sadio Mane.

The attacker will see his deal at Anfield expire at the end of next season and negotiations over a new deal do not appear any closer to taking place.

Mane has been one of the stars of Liverpool’s team since arriving from Southampton, but Senegalese international has endured a downturn in performances for the Premier League side in recent years.

By contrast, Mohamed Salah has arguably never been more important to Klopp, scoring 23 goals and notching nine assists in all competitions so far this season, but he is also out of contract at the end of next season.

While there are doubts about Mane’s future on Merseyside, Liverpool have also moved to boost their options in attack.

In recent days, the Reds have launched a bid to hijack Tottenham ’s own move for Diaz and sign the winger themselves.

Liverpool are set to pay out a fee in the region of £37million for the winger, who has starred for Porto this season.

The Colombian international has scored 16 goals from his position on the left so far this term, helping his side to storm to the top of the Primeira Liga.

Diaz’s goals have see his side remain unbeaten after 19 games, with Porto only failing to win twice in the Portuguese top-flight.

That form has attracted the interest of Liverpool, who had been looking to add more options in attack.

With only a few days left before the January window slams shut, the Reds have now made their move and are closing in on a deal with Porto.

As well as handing Klopp a vital extra attacking piece in the final months of the campaign, bringing in Diaz can also serve as a warning to Mane.

If Diaz signs as expected, he will in theory challenge for Mane’s place on the left wing, with that being his preferred position.

With Diaz in such impressive form, Mane’s position as Liverpool’s starting winger will be under threat.

Mane has suffered a downturn in performance in recent seasons, which would make it easier for the Reds to move on from him.

Salah’s form makes him virtually irreplaceable, but the same cannot be said for Mane, whose time on Anfield would appear to be ticking down.

Letting Mane depart at the end of his deal would free up space for Liverpool to pay Salah the wage that he is demanding.

Though Klopp will not be keen to lose Mane in such a manner, the choice between keeping either him or Salah appears to be an easy one.

As a result, Mane will now know that he must up his game if he is to convince the Reds that he deserves to extend his stay with the club.