Luis Diaz 'pushing for Barcelona transfer' after huge deal breaks down last minute

Luis Diaz is reportedly pushing for a transfer to Barcelona FC this summer. The Liverpool forward is a target for the Spanish giants after they were turned down by Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams.

In an astonishing U-turn, Williams rejected a seemingly inevitable move to Barca and signed a staggering 10-year contract with his boyhood club. It comes 12 months after he snubbed interest from the La Liga club and Arsenal to take Athletic's famous No. 10 shirt. Barca are now seeking alternative left-wingers and could reportedly pursue a move for Liverpool star Diaz.

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, a move for Diaz is one of the back-up plans being considered by Barca's sporting director, the former Portugal midfielder Deco. It is claimed that the Colombian is willing to push for the transfer.

Diaz, who will turn 29 in January, has only two years remaining on his contract. Despite being a key part of Liverpool's Premier League-winning team last season, it is unclear whether he will sign a new deal.

Arne Slot used Diaz in a number of positions across his forward line last season, with the former Porto man scoring 13 Premier League goals and 17 across all competitions. According to the BBC, Liverpool turned down an approach from Bayern Munich over a potential switch earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Barca are also considering a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. The same report that the England international, like Diaz, would be prepared to push through a move to Catalonia.

Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa after being ostracised by United boss Ruben Amorim before Christmas. He is unlikely to be welcomed back to Old Trafford with any enthusiasm and has been told to find a new club. Reports even claim that Rashford has been told he can extend his summer break to continue seeking an exit.

Last season's loan with Villa provided evidence that Rashford can still perform at the very top. After an initially slow start, the 27-year-old scored four goals and provided six assists for the Villans. However, their failure to qualify for next season's Champions League has seen the United academy graduate prioritise a switch to Barca.

Given his status under Amorim, Rashford could be the easier target for Barca to sign. Liverpool are expected to command a high fee for Diaz.