Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Luis Díaz missed the friendly with AC Milan due to ongoing speculation linking him with a transfer.

Also on the striker market is Alexander Isak - who wants to leave Newcastle - and Liverpool are circling, preparing a massive bid to add the Swede to striking ranks that already contain Hugo Ekitike,

Colombian winger Luis Diaz was left out of Liverpool’s squad for their 4-2 friendly defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday and Arne Slot has confirmed it was due to uncertainty over his future at Liverpool.

Liverpool and Chelsea are carrying the brunt of the load, with the Blues the league’s highest spenders before an agreement is struck for Ekitiké. The world champions, according to Transfermarkt, have splashed out £211 million ($283 million) and have been heavily reimbursed via their work in the United States this summer.

Liverpool's big-money investment on transfers this summer is the result of long-term planning, club CEO Billy Hogan said.

Liverpool's spending spree continues, this time with the signing of forward Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported transfer fee that could be upwards of $100 million. Ekitike will fly out to Hong Kong to join his new teammates in time for the first game of their preseason tour, which will be against AC Milan on Saturday.

The Swedish striker is eager to leave Newcastle and Arne Slot's side could land him alongside another elite forward, reports claim.