Liverpool now look as if they are going to complete the signing of Luis Diaz from Porto, despite strong interest from Tottenham.
As reported earlier in the week, the north Londoners held talks with the 25-year-old's entourage over a possible move this month as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his attacking options.
However, Liverpool, who were known to be long-term admirers of Diaz, have now swooped in and a medical has been booked for this weekend, according to Goal reporter Neil Jones.
He tweeted: "Liverpool have pencilled in a medical for Luis Diaz in Argentina this weekend. A club delegation is en route. Colombia will travel to Argentina tonight after their game with Peru in Barranquilla."
Of course, Liverpool boast Champions League football, which may have been a defining factor in Diaz's thinking, but one man, in particular, seemingly played a huge role.
That is Jorge Mendes, a football super-agent, who, according to The Sun, was heavily involved in negotiations between the winger and Tottenham, acting as an intermediary.
Mendes' role in the talks apparently frustrated Diaz's two representatives and neither would sanction the deal going ahead until the agent was out of the picture.
The agent's actions then gave Liverpool the chance to swoop in and effectively hijack the move and it now looks like Diaz will be signed by the Reds over the next few days.
Conte, who has made no secret of his desire to sign players for Tottenham this month, will undoubtedly be left frustrated by Diaz choosing Liverpool.
The Italian coach said this recently: "I know that the transfer window in January is always very difficult and it is more simple when you start the season to buy important players.
"In January, it is not easy but at the same time, we know very well that if there is the opportunity and also if it's not the best opportunity, but we need to do something.
"Also if I repeat that this could not be the best opportunity but I think that we are in a situation where we have to try to improve the squad because the squad is not so big."
