Arne Slot gives the green light for Liverpool's top star to be sold

Barcelona have been heavily linked with Liverpool winger Luis Diaz over the past year, with the Colombian set to leave Anfield this summer. The Reds are already reportedly making plans for his departure, although the possibility of him staying has not been ruled out.

The 28-year-old has two years left on his contract with the English club and little progress has been made on a new deal. Meanwhile, the Colombian is also at the top of Barcelona's shortlist for the summer, and has sporting director Deco in particular as an admirer.

The rumored price is €70 million, and the biggest uncertainty with Barcelona is whether they will have the funds to commit to a deal.

Saudi Arabia has also been linked with Diaz, while Colombian newspaper Antena 2, via Mundo Deportivo, says that Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Milan are all monitoring his situation.

Perhaps most significantly, however, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has given Liverpool the green light to sell Diaz. In addition, the Reds are eyeing Leroy Sane as a potential replacement for Diaz, who is available on a free transfer this summer after his Bayern Munich contract expires.

Read too Luis Diaz with three requests to transfer to Barcelona

The German winger looks set to leave Bayern and some may wonder if Barcelona might not also be interested in a cheaper alternative. The Blaugrana have decided to prioritise a left-back and a full-back for the upcoming summer window, but it is an open secret that Deco is unsure how much money he will have to spend in the summer, with more wage cap difficulties on the horizon.

Barcelona pursued Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams last year, but it appears their interest in the Basque striker has cooled in recent months. /Telegraph/