'The information from Liverpool colleagues': Sky Sports reporter reveals Liverpool shortlisted €60m star for the summer

Luis Diaz was only recruited by Liverpool in the winter transfer because Spurs were going to snap up the Reds' long-term attacking target, claims Sky Sports reporter, Michael Bridge.

The 25-year-old has 16 goals and 6 assists this season but is expected to challenge from the bench initially while he will likely be more involved as a starter next season after his first full pre-season.

That said, he has the pace, skill and momentum to come in and make an immediate impact and with Sadio Mane returning from a draining AFCON tournament, he might be involved more than initially expected.

Sky Sports journalist reveals reason why Liverpool acted now

Michael Bridge says Liverpool only pounced for Luis Diaz in January because they were going to lose the Colombian forward to Tottenham - something Jurgen Klopp himself said after the club announced they had signed him.

The reporter told GiveMeSport: "The Diaz one is interesting.

"The information from Liverpool colleagues, they said that Liverpool were going to sign Diaz in the summer and they've just literally done it early because of Tottenham's interest, which I found very interesting."

After Diaz was announced, Klopp said: “I have always been a believer in only signing players in January if you would want to sign them in the summer, and that’s very much the case with Luis.

“He is an outstanding player and someone we’ve been tracking for a very long time."

Luis Diaz signing boosts Liverpool attack for end of season silverware push

The Colombian is now probably the fastest player at the club - although Mane and Mohamed Salah would likely never admit it.

The 25-year-old is blisteringly quick and seems to lose very little pace even when the ball is at his feet.

I cannot wait to see him in action for the Reds and we should see him make his debut for Jurgen Klopp's side against Leicester City after the winter break ends which will follow the FA Cup tie against Cardiff City.

With a Carabao Cup final on the horizon later this month and a Premier League title race now coming back into fans' minds, Diaz will want to have a say and Klopp will be coming up with ways to use his new attacker to perfection from the bench.

After arriving for €60million, there will be a weight of expectation on Diaz's shoulders but I wouldn't expect too much from him this season.

It's almost a free hit as he needs time to adjust to the Reds' tactics and to get used to the language, culture and weather.