Super agent Jorge Mendes was key to Liverpool trumping Tottenham for Porto star Luis Diaz last week, it has been revealed.
The Colombian looked destined to sign for Spurs. However, when the deal was starting to conclude at North London, the injection of agent Mendes in proceedings by Spurs meant that it handed the Reds the opportunity to hijack the deal – and they did.
The Athletic says Spurs had agreed on the move with Porto and Diaz, in principle, and also settled all of the fees involved – which Liverpool were 'delighted' about as they could bypass the negotiations process.
Diaz was thought to be keen to join Spurs and work under Antonio Conte, but as the 25-year-old was away on international duty he hadn't put pen to paper on an agreement.
This allowed his agent to invite interest from Liverpool in his client after he had caught wind of Mendes mandating the move, though it is unknown as to why the players' representative had such a strong dislike for the Portuguese agent.
As such, Diaz eventually committed to Liverpool - with the approval of his agent.
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