Barcelona's €5million + €50million offer to tempt Liverpool star into Camp Nou switch in crazy three-way tug of war

Barcelona were reportedly keen to sign Liverpool star, Luis Diaz, before he joined the Reds but their offer never stood a chance.

I've watched just about every Diaz compilation on YouTube in anticipation of his move to Anfield and I'm convinced the 25-year-old is going to explode into life in the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp's guidance.

He's explosive. Not quick like some other forwards Liverpool have been linked with. Diaz is blisteringly fast and has the tight control to match as well as the agility and balance required to ensure he can handle that kind of speed.

The Colombian also has the technique and flair you would expect from a South American as well as the matching work ethic which will come in handy when he's asked to put in the hard yards in the Reds' geggenpressing system.

It's crazy to me that Liverpool have come so far under Jurgen Klopp that we're no longer losing transfer battles to Spurs for the likes Luis Diaz.

In the past, the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Christian Eriksen have rejected the Reds for Premier League rivals but not only are Liverpool comfortably a better option than Spurs but the Reds won a three-way tug of war with Spurs and Barcelona as well.

Diaz chose Liverpool over Spurs due to their ambition but Barcelona were also interested in his signature although if I'm honest, I don't believe their reported offer stood a chance as the cash-strapped Catalonians took a shot in the dark with Porto.

Although Diaz cost Liverpool €40m upfront and potentially €20m in add-ons, he's expected to remain on the bench for most games this season as he learns the ropes at Anfield and so it's going to be thrilling to see the impact it has on Sadio Mane.

The Senegal attacker started the season strongly but tailed off and before he left for the UK for AFCON, he looked a bit jaded and low on confidence and aside from a defiant goal against Chelsea in his final game before the tournament, he blanked in the nine preceding games.

It will be great to see the 29-year-old return to his best form and with three goals and two assists in Cameroon and a place in the final, including a delightful chip to take his side to the final where he could meet Mohamed Salah, Mane has looked to be close to his best over the last month.

Diaz will be chomping at the bit to get into the side ahead of Mane.

The competition and drive that will be fostered by two top-quality attackers is going to be fantastic to watch and it will only have a net positive effect on Liverpool's aim to win silverware.