Liverpool tell Barcelona Diaz is not for sale

Liverpool have turned down Barcelona's request to speak with Luis Diaz.

Sources from the club told BBC Sport that Diaz is not for sale. He is a key player for Liverpool, helping them win the Premier League last season.

The 28-year-old joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022. His contract runs until 2027. Last season, he scored 13 goals and provided seven assists.

Diaz also attracted interest from Manchester City last summer. He has admirers in Saudi Arabia as well.

"I'm very happy at Liverpool," said Diaz while on international duty. "They've welcomed me very well."

He added, "The transfer market is opening, and we're trying to arrange what's best for us."

Diaz mentioned he would be happy with a contract extension or finishing his current deal. "It all depends on them," he said.

Speculation about his future grew after he posted messages on social media. These posts could be seen as farewells to Liverpool fans.

Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO Michael Edwards are refreshing the squad early in the transfer window.

Last week, they signed Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million from Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool is close to agreeing on a record £109 million fee for Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen. They are also in talks to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez for £45 million to £50 million.

Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will join the squad after spending last season on loan at Valencia.

In April, forward Mohamed Salah signed a new two-year contract until 2027, ending speculation about his future. Captain Virgil van Dijk also signed a new deal that month.

Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid just before his Liverpool contract ended. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was sold to Brentford for an initial fee of £12.5 million.

Striker Darwin Nunez has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabian clubs and Barcelona as well.