Barcelona see Liverpool's Luis Diaz as best Nico Williams alternative

Liverpool may yet have a battle on their hands to keep hold of Luis Diaz before the transfer window closes amid reports Barcelona have narrowed down their search for a left-winger.

So far this summer, the Catalan giants have been focused on signing Nico Williams. However, with no breakthrough in negotiations coupled with the Spain international being handed the number 10 shirt at Athletic Club, it was reported earlier in the week that a list of alternatives had been drawn up.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Diaz features on the list alongside Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman - who has reportedly been made available for a loan move - and AC Milan star Rafael Leao.

READ MORE: Ambitious Liverpool star facing INEVITABLE scenario amid £30m Giorgi Mamardashvili transfer update

Barcelona make Luis Diaz decision

Fast forward a few days and it would appear that Barcelona have a preference as the same publication states the Liverpool star is the most liked alternative to Williams. Furthermore, the report states a move to sign the 27-year-old will be launched if they can't land their first-choice target.

Having said that, the La Liga outfit's well-documented financial state means any potential deal will not be straightforward.

Firstly, Barcelona are not able to register all their players in the squad for the start of the new league season so will have to make sales, whilst they have budgeted for £55m-£60m to sign Diaz and fear the Reds will ask for a bigger fee.

Considering the Colombia international is contracted to Liverpool for three more years, that puts them in a strong negotiation position should Barca firm up their interest in the winger. Although should Diaz depart before deadline day, it would interesting to see if the club brings in a replacement amid links to Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon.